September’s Reading Challenge was to read a book starring a first responder.
The first book I selected is Missing, Presumed, the first installment in Susie Steiner’s DS Manon series. I really enjoyed this mystery. DS Manon Bradshaw and her partner Davy Walker could not be more opposite but they work well together.
Manon is in her late thirties and she is searching for that “special someone”. At the urging of her best friend, she is giving internet dating a whirl but she is not having much luck. Manon has a somewhat gloomy outlook on life, but she is very dedicated to her career since her personal life is rather lacking.
Davy on the other hand is relentlessly optimistic and he never lets Manon’s negativity drag him down. He is quite happy with his girlfriend and he is thinking of taking their relationship to the next level. He and Manon are assigned to a tricky missing’s persons and despite their diligent efforts, they are not have much luck locating Edith Hind. As the case progresses, Davy’s upbeat outlook begins to flag and his job begins to affect his personal life.
The mystery is extremely well-executed with some intriguing twists and turns. The truth about Edith’s disappearance is quite surprising and by the novel’s end, Manon’s life takes a decidedly upward turn.
Click HERE to see what the novel is about.
The other book I selected for the challenge is Lights and Sirens, the second installment in Lisa Henry’s Emergency Services series. I absolutely loved this enemies to lovers romance!
Paramedic Hayden Kinsella and police officer Matt Deakin got off on the wrong foot and despite crossing paths on a fairly regular basis, neither of them particularly care for each other. However, underneath their animosity is a simmering attraction but will they ever move past the misunderstanding that put them at cross purposes?
The answer to that question is a resounding yes and Matt and Hayden accidentally end up in a relationship. Despite neither of the men having much experience with boyfriends, they navigate their new romance fairly easily. Due to Hayden’s childhood, he finds it difficult to count on them being together permanently but he tries to push aside his concerns. Matt is a “fixer” and he sometimes oversteps when life takes a difficult turn for Hayden. But just like their relationship, love sneaks up on them when neither of them are looking.
Lisa Henry is one of favorite authors and my fingers are crossed she will continue to add books to the Emergency Services series.
(Click HERE to read the summary.)
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Now, it’s your turn to talk about the book you selected for September’s challenge. Hopefully you enjoyed it!
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Check out this October’s challenge HERE.
I also read Lights and Sirens as I was looking foward to it being published.
Another great solid read from Lisa Henry, one that builds up as the story goes along. I’m not a big fan of character driven stories but this author works for me.
It is about support and understanding – as Hayden and Matt both have to deal with bad shifts. I would have like more antagonism in their initial dealings rather than the icy indifference.
Enjoyed Grandad, wanted to like Kate and Hayden’s relationship but felt it a bit forced.
Overall, great read and always enjoy her stories