Member Reviews

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of Say You're Sorry (Morgan Dane #1) by Melinda Leigh that I read and reviewed.
I am not going to give spoilers but is you enjoy a book with a great story and mystery I would suggest that you pick up Say You're Sorry. This is the story of a young man arrested for the murder of his girlfriend and the woman who was just hired by the DA's office but decides to throw her career away to defend him because she believes he is innocent.
I really enjoyed this book that is the first book in the new series by Melinda Leigh. I am really looking forward to see where she takes the series and the characters that we meet in this first book in the series and the books that are going to be coming out next.
As for this book, I can honestly say I had no idea who the killer was until the end. This was one of those books that was full of action from the start and also full of surprises that you will not see coming.
Morgan and Lance, who are the main characters, are both great characters. I love the the fact that they had a bit of a past that they can build on to work with. They both are willing to sacrifice things for what they believe is right no matter what the cost is. They are both very strong and well suited for each other and another thing I can't wait to see where it will go in upcoming books is their relationship.
I am giving Say You're Sorry four out of five stars.

Was this review helpful?

This book grabbed me from page one and I could not stop reading. Lots of suspense and lots of twist and turns. She writes characters that a person can connect with

Was this review helpful?

Prosecutor Morgan Dane has returned home to Scarlett Falls for the love and comfort of family after her husband’s death in Iraq. But her homecoming turns into a nightmare when her babysitter is murdered and her neighbor’s son is accused of the crime. Charged with defending the son, Nick, Morgan is having a hard time wrapping her head around the whole thing. She’s known Nick for years and doesn’t believe he’s capable to murder. The local police and the community are crying for vengeance and they appear to have forensic evidence on their side. With the help of Lane Kruger, ex-cop turned PI, Morgan sets out to find the real killer. A smart, savvy heroine takes on her hometown and local cops to save an innocent man in this pageturner

Was this review helpful?

Say You're Sorry by Melinda Leigh.
After the devastating loss of her husband in Iraq, Morgan Dane returns to Scarlet Falls, seeking the comfort of her hometown. Now, surrounded by family, she’s finally found peace and a promising career opportunity—until her babysitter is killed and her neighbor asks her to defend his son, Nick, who stands accused of the murder.

Tessa was the ultimate girl next door, and the community is outraged by her death. But Morgan has known Nick for years and can’t believe he’s guilty, despite the damning evidence stacked against him. She asks her friend Lance Kruger, an ex-cop turned private eye, for help. Taking on the town, the police, and a zealous DA, Morgan and Lance plunge into the investigation, determined to find the real killer. But as they uncover secrets that rock the community, they become targets for the madman hiding in plain sight.
And fantasticread. I loved the story. Really had me hooked. I wanted to know who it was and them to get caught. Loved Morgan. 5*.Netgalley and montlake romance.

Was this review helpful?

A very well written and cleverly woven plot. Set in the small town of Scarlet falls, Morgan Dane is ready to return to work after the death of her husband. Then we have a rape, murder, wrongful arrest and violence. Pack all these ingredients together and this makes for a good summer read. The start of a promising new series.Thank you Net Galley for my copy. I reviewed on Goodreads.

Was this review helpful?

I am so excited that Melinda Leigh is writing a spin-off of her wonderful Scarlet Falls trilogy. SAY YOU”RE SORRY (Morgan Dane #1) takes me back to one of my favorite fictional cities.
Morgan Dane returns home to Scarlet Falls with her three young daughters after the death of her military husband in the Middle East. Living with her grandfather and a teenager rescued in a previous Scarlet Falls book, two years has passed and Morgan decides to return to work as an ADA. She wants to start moving forward at least professionally with her life.
Lance Kruger was an SFPD officer, but is currently training to be a private investigator while recovering from a gunshot wound. His mentor, Lincoln Sharp started his own P.I. agency after retiring from the SFPD. Lincoln is more than just the ex-detective who worked Lance’s missing father’s case, he has been a father figure and an enormous help with Lance’s mother.
When Morgan’s sometimes babysitter, Tessa is found raped and violently murdered, the blame falls on her boyfriend, Nick. Nick is Morgan’s young neighbor who plays chess with her grandfather and reads to her girls. Even though the evidence is strong, Morgan just cannot believe Nick is guilty. Morgan turns down her ADA job and decides to not only defend Nick against false charges, but to find the real killer with the help of Lance and Lincoln.
This book takes off and keeps a fast pace throughout. With multiple suspects there are many unexpected twists and turns in the plot. As you turn the pages to find justice for Tessa, many other small town secrets become unearthed. You also follow the story through both Morgan’s and Lance’s points-of-views, with some internal insights from the killer and Nick’s time in lock-up. I loved the multiple views because they pull you into the head and intense emotions of each character in every situation.
I was happy to learn from the author that there are at least four more proposed books for this series and Morgan will continue being the main character. This book has the beginnings of a new romance for Morgan with Lance and I am looking forward to its progression. I love a series that not only gives me great thrills and/or mysteries, but I get to follow a couple that I want to succeed in love.
I am looking forward to the next book and a return to all of these great characters!
Thank you very much to Montlake Romance, Melinda Leigh and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

This was one of the best romantic suspense books I've read in a long, long time. It was fast paced. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. There were many twists and turns. I would turn the clues around in my mind to try to figure it all out and The the story would go n another direction.Melind Leigh kept m guessing through the book. It was cleverly written. The character development was well crafted. This is book 1 in a new series and I cannot wait for book 2!

Was this review helpful?

Morgan Dane has returned home to Scarlet Falls with her three young girls after the devastating loss of her husband in the military. She’s agreed to take a job as a prosecutor following in her family’s footsteps of putting away the bad guys until her neighbors son is arrested for murder.

When Tessa was found raped and murdered the whole town wants justice but Morgan just has a gut feeling that there is no way Nick could have committed this crime having known both of them. Morgan decides to help defend Nick and do her own investigating with the help of Lance Kruger, an ex-cop turned private eye, to get her client off and find the real killer.

Say You’re Sorry if the first book of the Morgan Dane series by Melinda Leigh. The series is apparently a spin off from another series but I never found myself lost from not having read other books my this author and felt the story was built rather well without having read other background from other series but after this one I may just go back and pick up her other books.

The story is a romantic suspense read that changes the point of view all throughout including some chapters from the prospective of the killer. Morgan however is the main character in the story, a former attorney who became a stay at home mom that is just returning back to work. Along with her former high school boyfriend turned P.I. they tackle the case to find a killer. The romance isn’t overly pushed in the story letting a reader get invested more into the thriller side of the book as the investigation goes on.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one from the explosive opening pages until the very end. I did decide to give this 4.5 stars just on one little detail from the end that I won’t mention due to spoilers but otherwise a great read.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

An exciting new series! Morgan is a strong, intelligent woman raising three girls with the help of her grandfather after her husband died in the military. She wears pearls and heels but can kick anyone's ass and use a gun. Her neighbor is accussed of killing his girlfriend, Morgan's babysitter, and she knows in her gut that he's innocent. Partnering with her old high school flame, Lance, who is a PI they decide to solve the case. So many twists and turns to keep it exciting. Lots of players in this small town but every one of them has a backstory and Lance will find it. Not only do we have a murder to solve but there seems to be something off with some of the townspeople. I dug right into this book once I got it from Netgalley and I could not put it down, on the edge of your seat whodunit. Can't wait for more!

Was this review helpful?

Another fast paced thriller from this author. Strong characters and a twisted story. Read it in one.

Was this review helpful?

SAY YOU'RE SORRY by Melinda Leigh, new series "Morgan Dane" # 1. Published by Montlake. Release date May 16
Grief and tending to 3 children, since husband has died. Returning to Scarlet Falls not many jobs for assistant prosecutor, accepted one, time now to step forward. A phone from grandparents, raising Tessa, who occasionally baby sits for Morgan. She hasn't come home, even though 18 this is not like her. Morgan offered to help look, calling on friend from high school,Lance. Been a cop, healing from an injury, hoping to return to force. Readily accepts offer, seeing her a few months ago, would like more, but 3 kids. Tessa been dating Nick the guy next door, good kid, has his own landscaping business. When they say, who killed her, Morgan and Lance set out to do their own investigation. Time spent together, sounded good to Lance also.The stakes are high, a madman is among them. A gripping plot, that has you involved from the beginning.the characters are well defined, as though you know them. A good thriller, that won't disappoint reader. Given ARC by Net Galley for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Review will be posted on the blog during release month.

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
I really enjoyed the twists and turns that this story took. From page one I know this story was going to be a twisted one. Ms. Leigh did a wonderful job of keeping us on our toes with who our killer could possibly be.
I loved the Morgan is flawed. She is a young widow and mother of three young girls. I enjoyed watching her find her footing and learn to live again. Lance is great!! I love the scene of Lance and Ava it is so sweet and I can’t wait for little Sophie to realize that Lance is the bomb!
Wonderful story!! I am so glad that Ms. Leigh is writing a new series that is in Scarlet Falls. I love seeing some of the old characters along with all the new ones. I have very high hopes for Morgan’s series!! I can’t wait for the next installment in this series!!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance
in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

Was this review helpful?

Say You're Sorry was intense from the first page to the very end of the book. A real page turner guaranteed to keep you
glued to the book until you are finished.
I love how strong Morgan Danes character is written;she is tough but has a soft side and a sense of humour. Lance and Sharp
are the other two leading male characters. Throw in a stray dog, a few small children and a whole lot of suspense, and this
book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Another winning story for Melinda Leigh, and I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

Was this review helpful?

Nonstop read for me! The twists and turns kept me up all night. Wow. Love this series! I can't wait for the next one!

Was this review helpful?

Another slam dunk from Melinda!
This book is engaging, captivating, and multitasking.
There are two main problems in this book, a dead girl and a missing girl.

You spend a good portion of the book trying to figure out whether or not the two cases are connected, and if so how.

What I loved about this book is that there were multiple options for our "bad guy" yet each was explored and either looked into more or dismissed. It was fun to watch the suspects be narrowed down, but even more fun when the story hits its peak and you get the answers.

Absolutely recommend this book!!

Was this review helpful?

Melinda Leigh does a fantastic job in writing this story. Morgan Dane is a widow raising three girls. She is getting ready to re-enter the workforce as a prosecutor after two years since her husband died. Her babysitter is found murdered and her neighbor is accused of committing the crime. She agrees to represent the neighbor and enlist the help of former policeman now private investigator Lance Kruger. They were childhood friends and dated casually in high school. As they work together to solve the murder and clear her client, they encounter danger and threats. But they also find the attraction they have for each other increasing as they spend more time together working the case.
The author maps the story excellently and keeps the reader enticed with ever increasing plot twists.

Was this review helpful?

Clicked on it by accident and was immediately added to my shelf. Not my genre, sorry.

Was this review helpful?

Say You're Sorry is Book One in the Melinda Leigh's new Morgan Dane series. This story kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. Even though it was very light on the romance, it was very engaging and I look forward to reading more about the romance that is slowly starting to kindle between Morgan and Lance.

While the story is a bit dark in spots, it certainly wasn't overly graphic. Even though there were no loose ends with the main story line, there are definitely some other directions the author seems to be taking that I expect will continue throughout the series. I cannot wait to see how it all unfolds.

An ARC copy of the book was received via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

I am always excited to read a new Melinda Leigh book, and Say You're Sorry was no exception. This was an exciting and thrilling read that kept me guessing all the way to the end to find out who the killer was. Even though Melinda's books are always hard to put down, this one kept me on my toes from beginning to end. Kudos on a terrific read! I look forward to Morgan's second book!!!

Was this review helpful?

What a highly entertaining, fast-paced, gripping read Ms. Leigh has penned in this book, encompassing well-written dialogue that kept me enthralled from start to finish; a plot with lots of twists and turns that kept surprising me and had me determined to discover what would come next; and two main characters that were determined to do what was right in seeking justice for the victim no matter how dangerous things became. The way this story started had me on the edge-of-my seat and drew me into the story immediately with what was happening, as it's palpable that any number of people could be a suspect. What would happen to whoever was in trouble? Would they be saved?

As for the dialogue, it was told from several characters points-of-view and was intense due to the main characters back stories and all that they go through to prove Morgan's client is innocent. Going head-to-head with several secondary characters that are either extremely dangerous or very influential in the community should concern Morgan, but no matter what threats or scrutiny she faces, she remains loyal to her job and strong and brave in her determination to seek the truth when everyone is determined to prosecute her client just so their jobs are secure. But what I liked most about Morgan is that she didn't back down, especially when things became more and more dangerous for her, Lance and her client.

While Lance, he's been through a lot in past months with having to give up working as a cop. It wasn't easy, but he's overcome it to become a very good private investigator. Moreover, I liked that he was willing to help Morgan, even though he wasn't as certain as the heroine was about her client's innocence. Yet, what I liked most of all about the hero was how protective he was of the heroine and how they wouldn't give up until they discovered the truth.

Overall, Ms. Leigh has delivered an incredible read in this book where the suspense and growing relationship between Lance and Morgan made this story a real page turner. The way this story ended was a tad alarming because of the situation Morgan finds herself in, but I liked that Morgan was finally able to move on from her past and the death of her husband. And lastly, I'm looking forward to more of this series because of the main and secondary characters, especially Lance's mom, a bright woman with a serious medical condition that makes Lance continually worry about her; and Sharp, Lance's boss and a man that is determined to make everyone a health nut. The moments where he was trying to convince Morgan what was good for her had me amused. I would highly recommend Say You're Sorry by Melinda Leigh, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Kendra Elliot, Mary Burton, Rita Herron or Nancy Bush.

Was this review helpful?