Another great start to a new series for Melinda Leigh. I am almost positive this author can do no wrong and is headed to becoming the next Mary Higgins Clark.

The characters are well developed the pain they experience the readers will experience too.

The story flows page after page as readers find themselves over come with the need to help Bree find her sisters killer.

The story is well paced as readers will be pulled into another Melinda Leigh Mystery series that will have readers demanding more.



Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advance copy of Cross Her Heart by Melinda Leigh.

The start of what I’m sure to be a great series of books. This was a easy read with Likeable characters. I look forward to read more and see how Bree and Matt’s characters develop together.
Bree sister is murdered so she move in with her sister kids and with the help of ex cop Matt, they went about investigating the murder.
While the twist were not very shocking and I guessed the killer very early on, I still enjoyed the read.

There is just something about Melinda Leigh book (series) that completely pulls you in. This book was so good. I loved the characters and premise of the story line. I figured out the culprit half way through but that did not disappoint the ending. There were so many characters that I loved and that I truly disliked. I’m so excited to read more in this series and I’m sure it will become a favorite for me.

Review: I love it when a favourite author creates a new series in an already established world. If you have read Melinda’s other series called the Morgan Dane series you will like this just as much, for me I liked it but I was not wowed by it. I wanted more romance more then what we were given, this is categorized as romantic suspense there was NO romance like in at all. I know from previous books that there will be some slow burn romance eventually, but at least gives us a bit more then what we got. OK so now that my only complain is out of the way, lets talk about this new series.
Bree Targert is an exciting new character to read about she is a homicide detective living in Philadelphia, until she gets a phone call from her sister Erin who leaves her a message saying that she is in trouble. But by the time she gets to her hometown Grey’s Hallow, Which I think is in the town Scarlet Falls as we already know from the Morgan Dane series the sheriff is an acting deputy sheriff. Anyway, she gets there to late as Erin has been shot and killed, discovered by her (Erin) husbands Justin’s, best friend Matt who is an ex K-9 investigator. Bree and her siblings come from an awful situation, where their Father killed their Mum. So, when she gets a call from her sister, she immediately thinks the husband did it, and brings her past into the mix.
As this is the first book in the series, sometimes things are written way for you to either love it or hate it , I guess like for example in this book we are really focused on the murder, missing person investigation and then the romance between Bree and Matt is on the back burner you know it’s there and going to happen but it never does.
In saying that I didn’t hate this book, I really did enjoy the story and how it was written, the way Melinda writes is fantastic. She has a formula that I personally really enjoy, a strong kick ass heroine, a great mystery that makes you think everyone is the killer, a supporting cast that consists of a close knit family and in this story we have Erin’s children Luke and Kayla. Then Bree’s brother Adam, and Bree’s retired police partner who comes and helps with everything. The murder mystery is neatly done and the reader will be able to follow each step and question the possibility of who done it. I really did enjoy that Bree was able to investigate her sisters murder, I think personally it added a special touch. Overall Cross her Heart is going to be a great new series to read and get excited about. Especially knowing what is to come with Bree and the future, I hope we see some other characters from her other series sprinkled throughout the books to come. I was/ am so grateful for my arc copy that was generously provided to me by the publishers.
When you do check this novel out, it will be available with kindle unlimited and I highly recommend that subscription, as you can get to read it for free but what I love most is that with all her titles on KU you can read and listen for free. Defiantly check that out, I have read most of her work like that. I look forward to the next one, I love that this a new series in a world I love.
3.5 Stars
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Homicide detective Bree Taggert is working a case when she gets a message on her phone from her younger sister Erin. Bree listens to the message of "I'm in trouble and need your help!" Erin has never asked for help nor does she live the type of life that would put her in danger. Bree and Matt, Erin’s husbands best friend and currently on medical leave from law enforcement, work together off the books. Thankfully with the new acting Sheriff's blessing to find out answers. Twists and turns lead them on a search for answers where there are nothing but questions so far. Lots of action, budding love, pain of death and needing to find the truth keeps you tied to this book and Melinda Leigh doesn't give the answers away too soon. Thank you NetGalley, Melinda Leigh, and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC this is my honest opinion.

I have read a couple of Melinda Leigh’s books but this is by far the best so far. It was about a homicide detective who after a traumatic childhood ends up back in her childhood town having to solve a crime which is very close to her heart.
Well written with a great storyline.

I love it when a favorite author begins a new series!

Bree Taggart misses a phone call from her sister Erin. The message tells Bree that her sister needs her, so when she is unable to reach her, she heads to her sister's house. When she gets there, a nightmare is waiting. A nightmare that flashes back to her childhood and raises old memories of her parent's deaths when she was 8 years old. Now her one thought is to find her sister's killer. The only suspect is her brother-in-law Justin. But his best friend Matt, who found Erin, doesn't believe that Justin is a killer.

Together they search for clues to who killed Erin. With unofficial support from the sheriff's department, they dive right in. As time passes and they are no closer to finding the murdered, Bree gets increasingly impatient. And when she starts to get too close, the killer decides that she may be a threat he needs to eliminate.

A rock solid plot, with enough twists and turns to make you think, this book is a fantastic start to the Bree Taggart series. I cannot wait for book two!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was my first Melinda Leigh and while it was a great mystery and an enjoyable story it is incorrectly coded as romantic suspense. I like the red herrings and the honest grief portrayed by the characters and am intrigued where the series is going.

I am a recent Melinda Leigh fan, but a dedicated one. Cross Her Heart is the first book in her new series and it is just as good as her other series have been. Introducing a new series while building the characters and their communities can slow down a first book, but not this one. Bree's story has a life altering event when she is young, you could say a once in a lifetime event. It sets her up to become a policeman who is determined to solve crimes and help families stay safe. Then horror touches her family again. Bree must put aside her grief and follow the clues where they take her to bring justice and healing to the children she must now guard with her life. An absolutely great start to what I hope is a long series.

Bree is a cop, a cop with a past that haunts her from time to time when it gets out of its hidden place in her head. When Bree’s sister is murdered, the first person always looked at is the husband! Did he do it? It’s Brees job to find out what really happened! I enjoyed reading this author!

I read and reviewed this advanced complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley

In 1993, Erin and her siblings, Adam and Bree, survived a gruesome murder of their mother by their father.
Twenty-seven years later, Bree’s an adult and she’s made tragedy and violence a permanent part of her life by becoming a cop. Bree is the best homicide detective in the world. Yet, Bree couldn’t separate her own past from the present.

Overall:
Cross Her Heart is the first book in a new homicide detective series featuring Bree Taggert. Bree was eight years old when her father shot her mother then killed himself. She was separated from her brother and sister to live with different family members.
It’s ironic how individuals become police officers or detectives after experiencing a traumatic upbringing. This tragedy seems to define them carving a path of justice for others. In this case, justice is served when Bree has to investigate her own sisters homicide.
I appreciated having Bree investigating her sisters murder. It adds that personal touch that is necessary in finding closure.

I liked the use of the K-9. I haven’t encountered this in any of my recent reads. It was a nice investigative tool.

It’s a story I can’t stay connected with. It’s slow building. Some of the characters and the theories associated with their lifestyle choices are okay. I’m just feeling very unattached to the characters and the storyline. The premise was so promising with that very chilling opening scene. I had hoped for a faster paced investigation with some dangerous activity.

This romantic suspense had very little romance which was fine considering I wasn’t feeling any lust or passion between Matt and Bree. I find it isn’t always necessary to force a romantic relationship between two characters. Sometimes it’s better to focus on finding the killer without the distraction of romance.

There were many suspects, but mostly theories. No Easter eggs to solve on your own you pretty much had to consider the theories laid out before you. I don’t really enjoy stories where all the speculation is discussed openly it takes away from the mystery.

There were four minor mini plots working in concession to the main plot. Erin’s kids. Erin’s ex. Erin’s friend. The dog. Fifty percent of the plot was spent on the investigation while the other fifty percent was spent on the mini plots. Sadly, it was a mediocre story. Nothing too exciting and not very epic or memorable.

Cross Her Heart is amazing! If you loved Melinda Leigh's Morgan Dane Series, you will love this one too. Bree is the main lead female character and she is badass. I really thought I had the suspect pegged by mid book, but I was so wrong. As a new person was investigated I couldn't help but put them at the top of my list. I love how Melinda Leigh keeps you guessing from the very beginning. I found this to be a pretty intense, edge of your seat, can't put down book. I really hope this series continues to grow because it's so good.

Just finished this book. This one will keep you guessing who killed Erin until the very end. I can't say who I thought it was so I don't give out any details:) Another great read from Melinda Leigh!

Melinda Leigh has a formula that i really love: a gutsy heroine, great mystery, and a lovely supporting cast that consists of a close-knit family. I love returning to her previous series - it is like visiting good friends (who can kick ass, lol). This looks like a promising start to a series that I know I will be visiting again and again. I’ve already re-read this book since getting my ARC!

Another great series beginning by Melinda Leigh! No spoilers in this review.
Following the formula that was successful in the Scarlet Falls series, a law enforcement officer has a family tragedy that forces her to return to her hometown. As a detective, of course she has to investigate the incident, and enlists a former LEO to assist her. Together they unwind the clues and discover the bad guy, growing closer in the process. The action is fast-paced and the book is a quick read.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, highly recommend.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

What a great start to a promisingly addictive series! Ms. Leigh has crafted the main character of Bree Taggert so deftly that the reader will immediately connect and become involved in both her struggles and her strengths. She is heart-breakingly sympathetic and admirably resilient. The possible love interest of Matt Flynn is also a masterful move. His character compliments the tortured and closed Bree in all the perfect ways - paving the way for fabulous future possibilities, both personally and professionally.

The murder mystery aspect is also neatly done, as the reader follows each step, question, possibility and frustration the characters experience. The final conflict was the only small drawback. It was hard to really buy into the villain and the extreme response he or she had (can't give anything away!) Without delving into that character more, it impossible to truly understand and believe the actions. Still, it keeps readers on their toes and turning those pages! And, once that last page is turned, looking anxiously forward to more of Bree, Matt and their world!

After reading this first book in her new series, I am excited to see what Melinda Leigh will come up with next. The introduction to new characters was enjoyable and leaves me wanting more. The story moved along at a quick pace and held my attention throughout. The story had a great climax and satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you netgalley for the early copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

This was a solid first book in a series. I really liked all of the characters, especially Bree. The mystery (and some of the overall plot) was a little predictable, but I enjoyed it enough to pick up the second one when it's published.

Bree Taggert is no longer the young girl that had to save her younger siblings from been mirdered. She is a homicide detective trying to put evil away. Things haven't always gone well for the family but they have all tried their best so when she gets a message from her sister Bree she knows something is wrong. She has to back to Grey's hollow to find out what is going on. But she gets there too late Erin has been killed and her estranged husband Justin is accused of killing her. Not everyone believes that Justin could have done it and he is missing and the police are looking for answers. Bree knows that she needs to find out the truth especially for the children. Bree doesn't know what to do as her brother Adam can't even look after himself. Can she give up everything to move back? Matt knows that his friend would never had killed Erin, he loved her and was trying his best to get clean so who did then? Where is Justin now? Can Matt & Bree find the answers that they are looking for? A really interesting read. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from netgalley and the publishing house in exchange for my honest review.

This is the start of a new series by Melinda Leigh, which is set in Grey’s Hallow, the neighbouring town to Scarlet Falls, which featured in her Morgan Dane series.
‘Cross Her Heart’ is about Philadelphia homicide detective Bree Taggert, who receives devastating news that her sister has been murdered. Going back home isn’t easy for Bree, as it’s the same place her childhood changed forever, when her when her parents died in a murder-suicide. And when Bree learns that her sister may have died at the hands of her husband Justin, she is determined to figure out exactly what happened and who really is to blame before she becomes a target herself. Helping her with her investigation is Matt Flynn, a former police officer and Justin’s best friend.
This was a really good suspense/mystery read, which kept me guessing as to the killer until the end. My only complaint is with the identity of the killer. While probable, I found it a bit unbelievable. Mainly because I didn’t think there had been enough explanation throughout the story to justify who it happened to be.
Overall I enjoyed this book and will definitely read the future books in the series.