Morgan Dane returns with a vengeance in this sharp, well-written novel! Recovering from the events in “Say You’re Sorry,” Morgan is adjusting to life as a single mom with a new solo law practice and a beloved grandfather showing his age. By her side is the stalwart Lance Kruger, who is rapidly becoming a Very Important Person in her world. When Tim Clark enters her office to retain her legal services and Sharp Investigations skills to find his missing wife, Morgan and Lance immerse themselves in the case - why would a mother of two young children disappear? Did Chelsea Clark just snap and flee, looking a break from the demands of a colicky baby, active toddler and always-at-work husband? Or did something far more sinister occur?

Once again, Ms. Leigh takes the reader on a walk through the dark side of Scarlet Falls, where at the edges of the sunshine the shadows hide secrets and horrors. No one can meld family dynamics, breath-taking, gritty suspense and romance like Melinda Leigh. As this part of a multi-book series, the romance between Morgan and Lance is slower moving between the books, while the suspense plot is different in each book. In “Her Last Goodbye,” all these plot lines seem sharper - the mystery is deeper and more complex, the dynamics between Morgan and Lance seem to be sparking and family is a theme throughout - Morgan’s grandfather, Lance’s mother and, no spoilers, another “family” involved in the story. The twists and turns (did I mention twists?) in this book kept me riveted from start to end.

A fantastic read from an author that is an “auto-buy” for me that has the perfect balance of every element you would want in romantic suspense. I also have fingers crossed that with Stella now “settled down,” once Morgan’s story is finished the remaining Dane siblings will get their stories told!

This book is the second book in a series, although it’s the first I’ve read by this author. I had no trouble getting to know attorney Morgan Dane or her partner/boyfriend private investigator Lance Kruger. I liked the characters, individually, and as a team and the plot was suspenseful as Morgan and Lance ignore danger in order to protect their client and catch a killer.

The detailed love scenes take this book out of the thriller classification and into romantic suspense. This isn't necessarily bad especially for readers who don't mind some steamy scenes between the main characters when they're taking a break from investigating! However, those looking for a straight-up thriller could be disappointed. From the description, I was expecting more of a thriller than a romance. To me, the love scenes took away from the tension of the investigation and didn't fit with how creepy and disturbing the descriptions of the villain's actions were. However, I enjoyed the story as a whole and was eager to find out what would happen next so the elements of suspense did hold my interest. 3.5 stars

I received this book from NetGalley through the courtesy of Montlake Romance. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

Melinda Leigh again does an outstanding job of storytelling! Morgan and Lance work together to solve the disappearance of a young mother. They know she did not just run away leaving her husband and infant. Some of the clues they come upon just don't add up to the facts as they know them, leaving them to wonder what is really going on and who is behind it. Drawn further in, things get dangerous. This is a fantastic read!!

HER LAST GOODBYE (Morgan Dane #2) by Melinda Leigh has me very excited for this series! I loved this book even more than the first in this new series and I gave Book #1 a five star review. I love when I think I have figured out the ending and the author still has another twist in store for me that surprises me once again.
Morgan Dane and Lance Kruger are on the case of a young mother of two who has disappeared. Morgan feels Chelsea Clark would never have left her small children even though the sheriff believes she just walked away or the husband is responsible and the prime suspect. For Lance, this case brings up all of his memories of the disappearance of his own father many years ago.
As Morgan works the case, she becomes the focus of the violent predator and her children and grandfather are put at risk. Morgan and Lance will do anything, even bend the law, to protect those they love and catch the predator.
This is a fast paced and easy to read book that kept me turning the pages. The plot twists and turns so that even when I believed I had the case solved there was still more to come. Morgan and Lance are so realistically written that I feel I could walk right into their office. The secondary characters; grandpa, Morgan’s girls and extended family, Sharp and Lance’s mother are all great additions that add the true to life feel and dialogue to these books. I was also very happy that Morgan and Lance finally got their “Let’s Get It On” scene. Oh, yeah!
Another series to add to my must read list!
Thanks very much to Montlake Romance and Net Galley for allowing me to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another success from Melinda Leigh. Morgan and Lance are great characters and the story was well written.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. This is book 2 of the Morgan Dane series and I had not read book 1 but it was not a problem. Morgan Dane is establishing herself as an independent lawyer with an office in Sharp Investigations who hires former police officer Lance Kruger to help her. Morgan is still adjusting to her new life. She is finally able to move past her overwhelming grief after the death of her husband two years earlier when he was deployed overseas.. Her life is busy with her three young daughters and elderly grandfather and a budding romance with Lance. Her last case nearly cost her everything.
Chelsea Clark was a loving young mother of two children that were her entire world so when Chelsea went missing something was definitely going on. Chelsea's husband Tim is the police's prime suspect and he asks Morgan to investigate to get the police looking beyond him as a suspect and find his missing wife. Morgan and Lance uncover a connection between Chelsea and a violent sexual predator, Morgan ends up being stalked and everyone fears that this predator could target her or her family. Good suspenseful story, a little violent in parts. I really liked both Morgan's strength and vulnerability and Lance's patience in waiting for Morgan to see what is in front of her. I will go back and read book 1 and the rest of the series.

Her Last Goodbye is the second book in Melinda Leigh’s Morgan Dane series. Not only did I read the first book in this series, Say You’re Sorry, I have also read her Scarlet Falls series. That’s important to note because the characters all live in the same city and have some notable connections that made me feel like part of a small community.

Morgan Dane is a former prosecutor turned defense attorney. She is a widow with three young and adorable little girls. She just recently started to collaborate and share office space with a private investigation firm called Sharp Investigations. Sharp is a retired cop who also employs recently retired but still young, former Scarlet Falls Police Detective Lance Krueger. The first book set the stage for a budding romantic relationship between Morgan and Lance who have known each other for years. When Morgan gets hired to clear the name of a husband whose wife has gone missing, she stumbles upon a serial killer and finds herself in the middle of a sinister plot. Luckily, she is not alone. When her family gets threatened, she and Lance have to break a few rules to unravel the mystery. In addition, they employ the help of several other people that are near and dear to them.

I appreciate the fact that although this ends up being a hunt for a serial killer, there are a lot of references to family and friends. Morgan learns that she doesn’t have to go it alone and she realizes that she and Lance can have a real relationship in spite of her other obligations. In addition, Melinda Leigh does an excellent job of drawing you in and then pulling the wool over your eyes. Just when you think that you have it all figured out, she throws a curveball. Once I was sucked in, I couldn’t put Her Last Goodbye down. The suspense was intense and the list of possible suspects was long. I truly felt like part of the investigation. Her Last Goodbye can be read as a standalone but I think it would be more enjoyable after you read the first book. I’m looking forward to the next book, Bones Don’t Lie. Morgan Dane is a brave and capable attorney but she is an even better crime-solver.

I was very excited to receive a copy of this second book in what has started out as an excellent series. I love the characters and the fast-paced, intense, and highly suspenseful manner in which this story was written. Highly recommend! Can't wait until the next book in this great series!

Thanks to netgalley, bookouture and the publisher for letting me read this book. Another in the Morgan Dane series which I longed for!! It wasn't as good but even better than the first if that's possible!!! OMG I was up half the night because I just couldn't put it down!! But then I have come to expect nothing but brilliance from Melinda Leigh and she never disappoints!!!! Deserves more than 5 stars!!!!

When a young mother disappears Morgan Dane is drawn into the case when the husband asks for her help. He has asked for Morgan to help prove his innocence so the real culprit can be caught. Morgan quickly ropes in Lance Kruger her almost boyfriend and private investigator to help track down the missing woman. However, when a killer realises she is on the trail things soon start to become dangerous not just for Morgan, but for her family as well.

This series has become one of my favourites of 2017, its fantastic mix of thriller, romance and a dash of family drama has me hooked. The second in the series has Morgan and Lance trying to track down a missing young woman who has two small children and a desperately worried husband at home waiting for her. We get to watch as Morgan and Lance work together, the obvious affection and attraction present throughout, with it flaring into passionate moments – keeping the romance junkie in me very happy.

But, it wasn’t just the romance junkie that was happy, I loved the thriller elements present in Her Last Goodbye not only was it quite tense, especially in the last half of the book where everything starts coming to a head, it also keeps you guessing. Although admittedly my guess at the beginning of the book about who the perpetrator was was half right. But I didn’t know the full story and Leigh’s version was much better than the possibilities circling my head.

This was another great book in the series, for those readers who like a thriller the Morgan Dane is something to pick up. And, if you also a romance reader wanting to branch out and maybe try something a little different from the usual bikers and billionaires then you need to give it a try; you won’t be disappointed.

I am really enjoying the Morgan Dane books and the process with which she has adjusted to a new life and the situations she gets herself into. She's a strong woman with a penchant for finding and getting answers!

I am really enjoying the path Melinda is taking with this series. It's heartwarming to see how her characters deal with loss and continuing on with life after the loss of a loved one. Morgan and Lance are taking things slow yet moving forward. Morgan has a great deal on her plate, yet finds time to fight for justice and solve day to day problems and help those who need her. Anxiously awaiting the next in this series.

Melinda Leigh’s new release HER LAST GOODBYE, continues the development of her protagonist Morgan Dane. Morgan continues to rebuild her life after the loss of her husband two years earlier. Leigh provides her readers with Morgan’s backstory including details of her grandfather’s heart attack and the challenges of raising three young children and dealing with the developing relationship with Lance Kruger. The author shares details of Morgan’s career decision to join forces with Sharp Investigation and go into private practice. Leigh creates suspense and intrigue in her second Morgan Dane book as she gives details of the disappearance of Chelsea Clark.

Readers meet several support characters both good and bad as Leigh adds momentum to the storyline. The author provides a background of each character. She skillfully places her readers inside Morgan’s head so they can embrace what she is feeling and experiencing as events unfold. Leigh adds several subplots changing the direction of Lance and Morgan’s investigation. She takes readers behind the scenes of the investigation giving them insight to suspects that surface. The plot has many twists and turns as events unfold keeping her readers in the dark as to what will happen next.

In the middle of the investigation, Leigh shares the human side of each of the main characters and the relationships with their families. She shows the Morgan’s family stepping up to support her as she deals with her grandfather’s health and the safety of her children. Morgan finds she is not alone. Even as the intensity of the investigation increases, Leigh keeps readers aware that the romantic relationship between Lance and Morgan is blossoming.

Lance and Morgan’s investigation continues searching for the elusive answers to discover, the who and why, of the kidnappings and murders. The intrigue builds towards a solution that will give readers a shock. HER LAST GOODBYE, build the thrills and suspense on every page leading to an unforeseeable ending. Leigh’s new Morgan Dane book is a must read and earns a ranking of five-stars.

Morgan Dane is determined to help prove that Chelsea Clark's husband had nothing to do with her disappearance. However, knowing it may be impossible to prove without help, she teams up with private investigator, Lance Kruger. But as they get further into their investigation, Morgan finds herself being pulled further and further into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with her as the mouse. Will she be able to keep herself and her family safe, or will the killer get what he wants -- Morgan?

Ms. Leigh is one of my go-to authors for romantic suspense, and this series is one that has me absolutely enthralled by the direction Ms. Leigh has taken each book so far. Most especially this book due to the gripping twists and turns this story takes that make it a total page turner. The way this story started was spine-tingling and had me wondering how far the bad guy was willing to go when it came to his evilness. How many women will lose their lives? However, it was from the moment that Morgan started investigating where this story had me hooked, because she's driven and unwilling to give up until she finds out everything to do with the case and that the women of the area are safe again.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to this story being told by the bad guy's point-of-view as well as everything the heroine goes through while investigating to prove their client's innocence. Will she be able to keep her family safe? Will Lance be able to protect Morgan from the bad guy? Furthermore, I was totally charmed by the hero and heroine's chemistry and how resilient Morgan is. No way will she give up until she knows everyone is safe, especially her family. Yet, what I liked most about this book is how it kept me guessing as to who the person was responsible for what happened to Chelsea and the other women and how it totally took me by surprise at the end.

Overall, Ms. Leigh has penned another fantastic read for this series where the chemistry between Lance and Morgan is wonderful and special and shows that no one is more deserving of happiness than Morgan after her loss. The way this story ended had me totally captivated because of what Morgan and Lance did to get the bad guys. Morgan really is made of tough stuff. I would recommend Her Last Goodbye by Melinda Leigh, if you enjoy romantic suspense or books by authors Kendra Elliott, Mary Burton, Allison Brennan and Toni Anderson.

Melinda Leigh is the queen of drama and mystery when it comes to books. She adds romance to the stories and you have a perfect harmonized story! Her Last Goodbye had me sucked into their world. My heart was racing when we found out that Chelsea ( a mother and wife ) disappears when she was only suppose to have a girls night out. The mystery behind it had me intrigued and guessing what happened to her as the story moved along.

Morgan is on a mission to find out what happened to Chelsea and clear her husbands name. Lance is my new favorite PI that is helping Morgan. These two have a lot of work ahead of them professionally and privately. Can Morgan really start a new relationship without hurting her kids. Is Lance ready to take on that kind of responsibility?

Aside from the romance, the mystery of this story stays strong. I love Melinda Leigh's writing and can not wait for the next book in the Morgan Dane series!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Thriller
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

This had a lot of moving characters and parts, but everything came together.

You start with the premise that someone is taking women for an unknown reason. It's an obsession and despite the killer's point of view, I found myself pondering their motives and who they were throughout the story. Leigh did a great job at making the killer’s point of view seem very real – even sane at times.

Morgan and Lance are back at their crime fighting ways. This time, they are on the lookout for a person who stalks and kills women – mothers.

You really feel for the husband in this case. I thought that the perspectives from friends and family were realistic and thought that Leigh did a great job a having Morgan and Lance's perspectives help shift and shape the case.

You are definitely guessing until the end and whew, what an ending.

I can't wait for the next one!


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
Morgan Dane is a wonderfully original and refreshing character – and I really enjoyed the second book in this series.

Morgan is a widow, a mother to three young children, and she’s a kickass lawyer/PI. I loved the way Morgan’s experiences informed her reaction to her investigation into the disappearance of a young mother. I also enjoyed her relationship with Lance and the team.

From the start, the author alternates between Morgan’s investigation, the bad guy(s)’s thoughts, and the victim’s experience. While this adds tension and suspense, the details of the victim’s experience are graphic and disturbing. There is a horror element to some early scenes and I felt a little bit uncomfortable reading scenes of torture as a form of entertainment.

The central investigation really fell apart for me at the end. Even after tracing the events backwards, I couldn’t quite fit all the pieces together and I was left with questions. There were some exciting scenes, but readers will struggle to figure out the whodunnit on their own and I suspect many readers will be as puzzled by parts of the ending as I was.

Ultimately, I enjoyed the characters and the relationships in this story. There are some exciting and suspenseful scenes, but the mystery didn’t completely work for me.

Melinda Leigh’s “Morgan Dane” series became a roaring success with Morgan and Lance forming a great team as they fight for justice and their personal relationship seems to be simmering on the edge as they test those grounds.

Book two of the series; “Her Last Goodbye” takes Morgan and Lance on the hunt for the perpetrator who kidnapped a young mother. With a secondary plot intertwined into the main storyline, Lance and Morgan have to use whatever resources they have to unravel the person and mystery behind the kidnapping.

What you see may not always be what you get, and behind an innocent life may very well be an evil lurking, misleading and deceptive. And this is exactly what Lance and Morgan need to decipher to make sure this wouldn’t be “Her Last Goodbye”. Amidst the danger is the sublime romance between Morgan and Lance, taking another step forward in their relationship.

With a twisted plot, Melinda Leigh gives the readers a captivating second read in “Her Last Goodbye” as Morgan Dane settles in with her new life, her kids and family, danger and romance all rolled into one big package of suspense, love, family and support.

A fabulous read!

Received an ARC from Montlake via NetGalley for an honest review.

This is my first book from Melinda Leigh but it won't be my last, that's for sure. I started reading this book and was hooked instantly.

This author made the story flow extremely well. Part of the reason I couldn't put it down was because every chapter gave me another little breadcrumb. Whether it's the budding romantic relationship between Morgan and Lance, or the actual mystery of what happened to Chelsea Clark, this author kept me wanting more throughout the story. As we see the story from different viewpoints, you are pulled in more and more to this tangled web. 

One theme that runs throughout the story is the character's last goodbye. I appreciated this because I feel like this might be one of the few times where the overall theme of the story coincided with the title. When we see Chelsea's character, she's remembering her last goodbye to her husband and family. When we see Morgan with her family, she's reminded of the frailty of life. The same goes for her partner, Lance Kruger, who's doing his job, caring for his mother, and trying to pursue a relationship with Morgan. 

The mystery in this story is intense and I was left wondering what was really the truth throughout the story. For me, that makes the story a truly incredible mystery. When we finally find out what really happened, it's really surprising because you never see it coming. 

I can't recommend this book enough. It was captivating, mysterious, and one of those books that I just could not bring myself to put down.

I received an arc of this book. I love the intriguing and intense mystery Melinda provides and her books keep me on the edge of my seat. I did feel kind of disappointed in the romance part of the book though. I like watching a romance grow from the beginning and I felt this book they already had somewhat of an established romance from the start. Kind of bummed me out but the intense mystery side of the story made up for it.

EXCERPT: "And pay attention. Memorizing the rules might earn you some food."
At the mention of food (her) stomach clenched painfully. She strained to listen.
"One, you belong to me. You will do what I say without question. You are my property. Two, when in my presence, you will keep your eyes on the floor. Three, no speaking without permission. Four, disobedience is punishable in any way I see fit. Can you repeat those back to me?"

THE BLURB: Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh’s Morgan Dane series continues as the fearless attorney and her partner, investigator Lance Kruger, take on a disturbing disappearance…

Young mother Chelsea Clark leaves the house for a girls’ night out…and vanishes. Her family knows she would never voluntarily leave her two small children. Her desperate husband—also the prime suspect—hires Morgan to find his wife and prove his innocence.

As a single mother, Morgan sympathizes with Chelsea’s family and is determined to find her. She teams up with private investigator Lance Kruger. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier their investigation gets. When Morgan is stalked by a violent predator, everything—and everyone—she holds dear is in grave danger.

Now, Morgan must track down a deranged criminal to protect her own family…but she won’t need to leave home to find him. She’s his next target.

MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book in a row that I have read that I have failed to really engage with until just short of the halfway mark. But at least Her Last Goodbye by Melinda Leigh kept my interest from this point on.

Don't get me wrong, it's not a bad book, if it had been I simply would have abandoned it. It just all felt rather contrived, strained. As did much of the dialogue.

I wanted to feel breathless with anticipation, tingle with suspense. After all there is a madman abducting women, holding them somewhere, training them to love, honor and obey him. I have read and been consumed by similar plots before, but this one fell a little flat for me.

Would it have helped to have read the first in the series? I don't know. I can't say with all honesty that it would have. So, swimming against the tide with Her Last Goodbye, I award 3.25 stars.

Thank you to Montlake Romance via Netgalley for providing a digital copy of The Last Goodbye by Melinda Leigh for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or my 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system. This review and others are also published on my blog sandysbookaday.wordpress.com