Many Thanks to Net Galley, Montlake Romance and the author for a chance to read and review this book.

Mary Burton surely knows to ramp the tension with her romantic suspense novels. Near You is book #2 in Montana series which I strongly advise to read in order. The 2nd book in the series carry over from book #1 with the past history of Ann Bailey. Of course, it is no hardship to deduce the facts from the story but I think it would have helped immensely to know her trauma if I had read book 1.

Bryce McCabe is working in his ranch when he’s called for a case of homicide that shows signs of immense brutality and violence. In fact, the gruesome act of deforming the victim was hard to read and process. Ann as a forensic psychologist is called in to profile the killer and becomes involved in the accelerating murders that had so far gone unnoticed. Meanwhile Elijah Weston, recently released from prison, possess a secret that can unravel her recovering life after the events of the past year.

The voice of the killer and the journalist’s case notes interwoven thru the narration of the story adds to nail-biting suspense as Ann fights for her son’s life in addition to keeping herself safe. The writing is smooth and fast-paced which makes it easy to read especially as I had figured out the killer halfway into the book. I wish it was not so, coz the adrenaline rush that should have been the final race to finish was lost and devoid of that spike of thrill, Near You felt flat in parts.

I loved the relationship between Ann and her son Nate. The romance between Bryce and Ann was sweet and a delight to read. Near You is a solid thriller in the romantic suspense genre that is sure to leave the reader thoroughly entertained.


This review is published in my blog https://rainnbooks.com/, Goodreads, Amazon India and twitter.

Mary Burton is a new to me author and I'm hooked. While I did feel that this book obviously referenced an earlier story (which I haven't found, yet) the author's vivid descriptions incited a visceral response in me from very early on in the piece. So much so, I initially didn't want to read the book at home alone. The author successfully pulls all the threads together to the very end and the story was very well executed and satisfying to read. I am fascinated by what makes the bad guys tick and by using a forensic psychologist, bearing her own emotional wounds, we get a gripping look into the minds of others.

I would definitely recommend this read to lovers of psychological thrillers who aren't put off by a little gore. Happy reading!

It seems a serial killer with a horrific signature is on the loose in Montana. Sgt Bryce McCabe is in charge of the case and Dr Ann Bailey is consulted for profiling. The story is told via the investigation interspersed with the killers thoughts and with journalist Paul Thompson’s crime files. These link to ‘The Fireflies’, ladies who write to Elijah Weston while in prison following a wrongful arson conviction.

This is the second in the series which I hadn’t realised before reading this but it all makes sense although I sure it’s better to have read the first one. The start of the book draws you in, the premise and plot are good and the backstories of Elijah and Ann are very interesting. The characters are good, I like Ann, her son Nate and Bryce in particular. However, the pace is uneven, there are sections that I think are really good and others less so. Some sections are overburdened with detail and the tone of some dialogue either doesn’t ring true or isn’t that interesting. The story builds towards the end but as I’d figured out the perpetrator much earlier on there’s no element of surprise and the resolution is all a bit convenient and lacks tension.

Overall, it’s a mixed quick read which is good in parts.

With thanks to NetGalley and Mortlake for the widget for an honest review.

Began reading, and as always it was an enjoyable Mary Burton RS read. After a couple of chapters I started getting a little confused, however, having not read the first book of this series; and decided to go back and read it before attempting to finishthis story. There was just too many threads that seemed to be directly involved with the first book.

If you have read previous books written by Mary Burton and fell in love with them you will do so with this one. This was a fantastic book overall and will keep you on your toes all the way through. Highly Recommend

**Burn You Twice should be read before reading this book**

Twelve years ago Ann Bailey and Joan Mason were best friends in the first year of college when an arsonist set their house on fire and they barely escaped with their lives. Elijah Weston was accused and convicted of the crime did 10 years and was released. Burn You Twice was Joan Mason and Gideon Bailey's story. Near You is Ann Bailey story. She is the woman Elijah was obsessed with then and now.

To say much more if you haven't read Burn You Twice really gives away a lot of spoilers. This was another edge of your seat suspense with plenty of twists. I highly recommend both books.