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The Borderline #2
One Wrong Step
SHE NEVER PLANNED TO GET INVOLVED WITH HER EX AGAIN, ESPECIALLY NOT IN HIS MURDER....
But that's just what happens when Celie Wells has an encounter with her former husband, and he turns up dead an hour later. Now, after working hard to distance herself from his crooked ways and shady connections, she finds she's smack dab in the middle of his murder investigation. And it isn't just the police who have their eye on her, but an enraged drug lord who is seeking payback.
The only person who seems to be on her side is old acquaintance John McAllister. But the sexy reporter has a nose for news, as well as a reputation as a playboy. Is he helping Celie out because he wants a story...or a one-night stand? She knows John's interest is potentially hazardous to her heart. But not accepting his help could put her life at even greater risk -- and she can't afford one wrong step.
But that's just what happens when Celie Wells has an encounter with her former husband, and he turns up dead an hour later. Now, after working hard to distance herself from his crooked ways and shady connections, she finds she's smack dab in the middle of his murder investigation. And it isn't just the police who have their eye on her, but an enraged drug lord who is seeking payback.
The only person who seems to be on her side is old acquaintance John McAllister. But the sexy reporter has a nose for news, as well as a reputation as a playboy. Is he helping Celie out because he wants a story...or a one-night stand? She knows John's interest is potentially hazardous to her heart. But not accepting his help could put her life at even greater risk -- and she can't afford one wrong step.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2008
150 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Laura Griffin
51Ìýbooks3,698ÌýfollowersLaura Griffin is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books and novellas. She is a two-time RITA Award winner, as well as the recipient of the Daphne du Maurier Award. Laura got her start in journalism before venturing into the world of suspense fiction. Her books have been translated into fourteen languages. Laura lives in Austin, Texas, where she is working on her next novel.
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
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* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
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* The Borderline
Series:
* Texas Murder Files
*
*
*
* Moreno and Hart Mysteries
*
* The Borderline
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 14, 2018
I first read this book in 2014 and then again in 2018 as I've been binge reading Ms. Griffin's earlier novels.
This wasn't one of my favorites. I didn't really care for either main character and their romance just didn't work for me. I don't like players like John who can't remember the name of a woman's whose bed he just left. And I had a hard time believing his miraculous turn around to wanting a relationship with Celie. I couldn't figure out what he saw in her. And Celie lied way too often and liked to blame others. Who would steal from the drug cartel and not realize what could happen?
I did like some secondary characters way more.
The plot was good but the ending way too unrealistic.
This wasn't one of my favorites. I didn't really care for either main character and their romance just didn't work for me. I don't like players like John who can't remember the name of a woman's whose bed he just left. And I had a hard time believing his miraculous turn around to wanting a relationship with Celie. I couldn't figure out what he saw in her. And Celie lied way too often and liked to blame others. Who would steal from the drug cartel and not realize what could happen?
I did like some secondary characters way more.
The plot was good but the ending way too unrealistic.
September 23, 2008
Awesome. I have another author to add to my 'buy' list. One more home run with me and she'll be on the 'auto-buy' list! And I'm absolutely gobsmacked that this is only her SECOND full-length novel! Just incredible how good these are for such a 'new' name.
"One Wrong Step" by Laura Griffin was a smart, action-packed romantic suspense novel that hit my sweet spot. The characters are just filled with foibles which makes for great twists and turns in the story. And the action? It's intelligent with no TSTL events thrown in just to 'move the plot' and irritate me! And really good sexual tension between the lead characters leading to some steamy sex scenes that are the icing on the cake.
Celie was a secondary character in "One Last Breath", but you don't need to have read that book to enjoy this one. Her husband became involved with cooking the books for a South American drug-lord. Then when Celie 'busted' him, he tried to have her best friend killed! When he disappeared into Mexico, Celie was relieved and immediately filed for divorce. It turns out that he left behind a 'little something' and the book opens with him paying a visit to Celie...an hour later he's dead.
Celie's best friend already warned her about reporter John McAllister. He's a gorgeous playboy...the last thing Celie needs right now. But as far as John's concerned, Celie's just...different. He's doesn't know what he wants with her, but it's not just fun and games. He admired her courage from afar ten years ago. About nine months ago he finally met her after she was almost killed. Now, she's in trouble again and this time he's not leaving.
There is SO much going on in "One Wrong Step". Personal issues, hopes and dreams, safety, battered women/children, barreness, adoption, crime, bravery...I could just go on and on. I think that's what draws me into Griffin's stories so quickly...I try to put myself into the heroine's shoes and it seems all too easy to imagine.
I could kick myself for letting "One Wrong Step" sit in my TBR until now. But her next novel, "Thread of Fear", will be out at the end of this month (Sep08) and you can bet it won't sit for even a day after I pick it up!!
"One Wrong Step" by Laura Griffin was a smart, action-packed romantic suspense novel that hit my sweet spot. The characters are just filled with foibles which makes for great twists and turns in the story. And the action? It's intelligent with no TSTL events thrown in just to 'move the plot' and irritate me! And really good sexual tension between the lead characters leading to some steamy sex scenes that are the icing on the cake.
Celie was a secondary character in "One Last Breath", but you don't need to have read that book to enjoy this one. Her husband became involved with cooking the books for a South American drug-lord. Then when Celie 'busted' him, he tried to have her best friend killed! When he disappeared into Mexico, Celie was relieved and immediately filed for divorce. It turns out that he left behind a 'little something' and the book opens with him paying a visit to Celie...an hour later he's dead.
Celie's best friend already warned her about reporter John McAllister. He's a gorgeous playboy...the last thing Celie needs right now. But as far as John's concerned, Celie's just...different. He's doesn't know what he wants with her, but it's not just fun and games. He admired her courage from afar ten years ago. About nine months ago he finally met her after she was almost killed. Now, she's in trouble again and this time he's not leaving.
There is SO much going on in "One Wrong Step". Personal issues, hopes and dreams, safety, battered women/children, barreness, adoption, crime, bravery...I could just go on and on. I think that's what draws me into Griffin's stories so quickly...I try to put myself into the heroine's shoes and it seems all too easy to imagine.
I could kick myself for letting "One Wrong Step" sit in my TBR until now. But her next novel, "Thread of Fear", will be out at the end of this month (Sep08) and you can bet it won't sit for even a day after I pick it up!!
September 5, 2021
Laura Griffin has become a much better writer in the decade plus since she’s written this - and by better I mean smoother: smoother plots, smoother characters� there’s nothing much to like here, and there’s particularly bad decision making on display.
September 26, 2010
Ok for mystery suspense, but I wasn’t emotionally drawn in or entertained enough.
STORY BRIEF:
This is book 2 in the Borderline Series. It can be read as a stand alone book. You don’t need to read book 1, although I preferred book 1 over book 2. In book 1 “One Last Breath,� Robert and Cecelia are secondary characters and are married to each other. Robert stole money from Saledo, a drug lord, emptied his and Cecelia’s bank accounts and fled the country. Book 2 begins with Robert returning several months later to visit Cecelia. An hour after he leaves her, he is killed by Saledo’s thugs. Saledo’s people are now after Cecelia because they think she knows where the stolen money is. John is a journalist. He first met Cecelia years earlier when she was a witness in a trial. When he learns she is in town he gets involved and starts helping her. The FBI is also involved due to the Saledo connection.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
For some reason, the characters and their developing relationship weren’t as good as in the author’s other books. The characters sound good, but I wasn’t emotionally drawn into them. John is a gorgeous playboy journalist, who is used to having many women. John first saw Cecelia years ago. Now he sees her and for some reason he no longer wants other women. I didn’t understand that. Apparently he is tired of meaningless sex, and she won’t be meaningless. Cecelia is finishing her college degree in social work, works in a homeless shelter for kids, is trying to get pregnant (as a single mom)� her dream is having a baby. And she is being threatened by thugs. Wow, does she have a lot going on. She lies to some people. She has her reasons. I couldn’t get excited or interested enough to want to read about her. I think the author has a good writing style. She doesn’t use any of my pet peeves which I admire. But this particular mix of characters and story just didn’t move me or entertain me enough.
DATA:
Story length: 364 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 8. Setting: current day Texas, Mexico and Russia. Copyright: 2008. Genre: romantic mystery suspense.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other books by this author, see my 5 star review of “Thread of Fear� posted 5/10/09.
STORY BRIEF:
This is book 2 in the Borderline Series. It can be read as a stand alone book. You don’t need to read book 1, although I preferred book 1 over book 2. In book 1 “One Last Breath,� Robert and Cecelia are secondary characters and are married to each other. Robert stole money from Saledo, a drug lord, emptied his and Cecelia’s bank accounts and fled the country. Book 2 begins with Robert returning several months later to visit Cecelia. An hour after he leaves her, he is killed by Saledo’s thugs. Saledo’s people are now after Cecelia because they think she knows where the stolen money is. John is a journalist. He first met Cecelia years earlier when she was a witness in a trial. When he learns she is in town he gets involved and starts helping her. The FBI is also involved due to the Saledo connection.
REVIEWER’S OPINION:
For some reason, the characters and their developing relationship weren’t as good as in the author’s other books. The characters sound good, but I wasn’t emotionally drawn into them. John is a gorgeous playboy journalist, who is used to having many women. John first saw Cecelia years ago. Now he sees her and for some reason he no longer wants other women. I didn’t understand that. Apparently he is tired of meaningless sex, and she won’t be meaningless. Cecelia is finishing her college degree in social work, works in a homeless shelter for kids, is trying to get pregnant (as a single mom)� her dream is having a baby. And she is being threatened by thugs. Wow, does she have a lot going on. She lies to some people. She has her reasons. I couldn’t get excited or interested enough to want to read about her. I think the author has a good writing style. She doesn’t use any of my pet peeves which I admire. But this particular mix of characters and story just didn’t move me or entertain me enough.
DATA:
Story length: 364 pages. Swearing language: strong. Sexual language: mild. Number of sex scenes: 2. Total number of sex scene pages: 8. Setting: current day Texas, Mexico and Russia. Copyright: 2008. Genre: romantic mystery suspense.
OTHER BOOKS:
For a list of my reviews of other books by this author, see my 5 star review of “Thread of Fear� posted 5/10/09.
September 10, 2022
It's difficult sometimes to go back and read the early work of an author. They often just don't measure up to what you know an author can do and had done in the future. You need to keep that in mind when reading this book. There are definitely elements here that show the promise of the writer Laura Griffin becomes. I especially liked the dirtbag hero. He was a wonderful character and a great redeem project. I had more of a problem with the heroine. She displayed a tad too much angst, was a bit too needy and her moral compass was a little skewed.
Celie Wells had it all. A successful husband and a great best friend. Everything except the child she wants so desperately. Then it all came crashing down when it was discovered her husband was laundering the money of a deadly Mexican drug cartel. She packs up and moves from her small Texas town to Austin, picks up the threads of her life and moves on, taking classes to complete her degree and working at a home for battered women and children. Then her ex crashes into her life, gets murdered and puts her on the radar of the drug cartel.
John McAllister is a player, handsome, newspaper reporter and a babe magnet. He has known Celie since her rape trial over 10 years ago and always admired her. Definitely not the sort of woman who would hook up with him. But right now, she needs his help and even though his feelings run deeper, he needs to be what she needs right now and protect her. 3 1/2-Stars
Celie Wells had it all. A successful husband and a great best friend. Everything except the child she wants so desperately. Then it all came crashing down when it was discovered her husband was laundering the money of a deadly Mexican drug cartel. She packs up and moves from her small Texas town to Austin, picks up the threads of her life and moves on, taking classes to complete her degree and working at a home for battered women and children. Then her ex crashes into her life, gets murdered and puts her on the radar of the drug cartel.
John McAllister is a player, handsome, newspaper reporter and a babe magnet. He has known Celie since her rape trial over 10 years ago and always admired her. Definitely not the sort of woman who would hook up with him. But right now, she needs his help and even though his feelings run deeper, he needs to be what she needs right now and protect her. 3 1/2-Stars
September 11, 2013
I was away for the weekend and grabbed this book to read. A fast-paced, entertaining romantic suspense and one of Laura's better books. Her books are my go-to vacation/relaxing reads and I only have one more left of her's to read!
Does anyone have any recommendations for other romantic suspense that aren't too romancy? Ones that are similar to Laura Griffins?
Does anyone have any recommendations for other romantic suspense that aren't too romancy? Ones that are similar to Laura Griffins?
January 30, 2022
It was an ok read,
December 6, 2015
I've been reading and enjoying Laura Griffin's Tracer series and was curious to see if her first two books - One Last Breath and One Wrong Step - were just as enjoyable. And they were. The suspense is done well and the romance is believable.
The only small quibble I have is that in this book the heroine's child wish weighs so heavy that she doesn't really seem to have any other character traits.
PS I was happy to hear that the author was planning to write a book about the supporting characters Kate and Rowe, got sidetracked with a new series (Tracers), but still might get back to them one day. I hope she does.
The only small quibble I have is that in this book the heroine's child wish weighs so heavy that she doesn't really seem to have any other character traits.
PS I was happy to hear that the author was planning to write a book about the supporting characters Kate and Rowe, got sidetracked with a new series (Tracers), but still might get back to them one day. I hope she does.
June 6, 2019
Satu jam setelah mantan suaminya-Robert muncul di apartemen Celia dan mencuri mobilnya, seorang jurnalis-Kate menemukan Robert tidak sadar di dalam mobil yang seperti habis ditabrak. Sampai rumah sakit Robert telah tewas, hal ini yang mengakibatkan Celia mesti berhubungan kembali dengan FBI. Saya tidak membaca buku 1, jadi mungkin detail bagaimana Robert yang bekerja di firma akuntan bisa mencuri uang dari Saleno, kartel narkotika. Ternyata uang tersebut telah diketahui persembunyiannya oleh Celie dan sudah dipakai pula walau untuk kebutuhan shelter anak dan wanita dimana Celie bekerja. Jadi selama ini Celie berbohong kepada FBI tentang uang tersebut. Ketika pihak kartel mulai tidak sabar barulah Celia meminta bantuan FBI (lah dari kemarin kemana aja neng, udah tau duit haram kok ya berani2nya makai walau untuk tujuan mulia). Btw, FBI-nya juga oon masa iya tidak bisa mendapat pengakuan dari Celie soal uang tersebut. Logikanya, Celie itu kerja di Shelter yang pastinya gajinya standar lalu mulai kuliah lagi, tinggal di apartemen yang sistem keamanannya bagus alias mahal, bisa nyewa bodyguard, beli mobil mahal lah darimana uangnya? Mantan suami menguras tabungan, Celie berasal dari keluarga biasa bukan kaya. Jadi ini novel menurut saya banyak fakta yang ga masuk akal. Romansa antara Celie dan John pun biasa saja.
2🌟
2🌟
July 13, 2019
L'histoire a lieu plusieurs mois après la fin de Souffle court.
Cellie a découvert dans le tome précédent que son mari lui avait menti et qu'il blanchissait de l'argent issu d'un trafic de drogue. Il s'était enfuie pour éviter la police.
Le voici qui débarque un soir chez Cellie. Le soir même, il est tué dans un accident de voiture.
Le FBI veut savoir pourquoi il était chez Cellie et où est l'argent qu'il avait volé.
Cellie, menacée par des tueurs, collabore avec le FBI et se rapproche du journaliste John MacAllister, qui veut l'aider à tout prix.
Les personnages sont sympa, l'écriture est fluide... bref c'est une lecture agréable. En plus, ça m'a fait plaisir de retrouver Feenie et Marco, qui viennent faire un petit tour pour aider Cellie.
Seul Bémol, l'intrigue n'est pas vraiment crédible.
Je ne sais pas si un troisième tome est prévu, pourquoi pas avec Kate.
Cellie a découvert dans le tome précédent que son mari lui avait menti et qu'il blanchissait de l'argent issu d'un trafic de drogue. Il s'était enfuie pour éviter la police.
Le voici qui débarque un soir chez Cellie. Le soir même, il est tué dans un accident de voiture.
Le FBI veut savoir pourquoi il était chez Cellie et où est l'argent qu'il avait volé.
Cellie, menacée par des tueurs, collabore avec le FBI et se rapproche du journaliste John MacAllister, qui veut l'aider à tout prix.
Les personnages sont sympa, l'écriture est fluide... bref c'est une lecture agréable. En plus, ça m'a fait plaisir de retrouver Feenie et Marco, qui viennent faire un petit tour pour aider Cellie.
Seul Bémol, l'intrigue n'est pas vraiment crédible.
Je ne sais pas si un troisième tome est prévu, pourquoi pas avec Kate.
May 16, 2023
Full of details
John and Celie. An unexpected story with some scary and interesting twists. We met both main characters in book one and they are back in a different city for book two. Their attraction has grown, but the stakes for safety and happiness for Celie have also grown. Her ex husbands role in the last book is more known and the danger grows as more people want what he had. The FBI does get involved and so does the media where meet a new character who has some chemistry with FBI Rowe. The story was engaging and heartbreaking over personal details. I liked the side addition of Rowe and Sarah and hope they get a story!
John and Celie. An unexpected story with some scary and interesting twists. We met both main characters in book one and they are back in a different city for book two. Their attraction has grown, but the stakes for safety and happiness for Celie have also grown. Her ex husbands role in the last book is more known and the danger grows as more people want what he had. The FBI does get involved and so does the media where meet a new character who has some chemistry with FBI Rowe. The story was engaging and heartbreaking over personal details. I liked the side addition of Rowe and Sarah and hope they get a story!
April 21, 2019
Entertaining but nothing like the Tracers. I am going to read the first one again because frankly I don’t remember anything about it.
January 7, 2020
Love Laura Griffin! Never fails to disappoint - fast paced action packed romantic suspense!
July 3, 2020
OKAY BUT WHAT ABOUT MIKE AND KATE JESUS CHRIST
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
One of the best I have read this year. LOVED it
March 15, 2021
Interesting-main character survived unbelievable trauma and still kept her sense of humor.
August 10, 2021
Probably more 3.5 stars but I'll round up. Really hoping to find out more about Rowe and Kate
Read
October 6, 20217/1/2013
March 18, 2025
I read this in one day in a few hours. I could not put it down. Excellent book.
July 11, 2010
4,5 stars
John McAllister is a reporter who is the embodiment of the charming playboy who can talk any woman into his bed. He is confident and enjoys the company of women. That is until he crosses paths again with Celie Wells, his former colleague's (Feenie from ONE LAST BREATH) best friend. She evokes feelings in him he has never experienced before and trying to stay professional while he writes a story on her ex-husband's murder proves to be difficult.
Celie is resilient and brave. She is compassionate and an open book for everyone. Before she found out the trouble her ex-husband was in, she had the life of a perfect suburban housewife. Now she's divorced, longing for a family and a suspect in the investigation of her ex' murder. And on top of that she has to deal with her attraction to John, the reporter out to get the dirt on her.
The attraction between Celie and John is apparent but they both fight it. John doesn't want to commit himself to a woman in that way. Celie fights the attraction the most because she thinks they're only compatible on a sexual level. She literally tries to keep her distance physically but about half way through the book there's a change in her feelings. She makes a U-turn and suddenly stops fighting the attraction and gives in. The suddenness of this change of heart is the only little (very, very little) thing that bothered me in character development, but I soon forgave Griffin because the love scene that followed it was by far the best and hottest one I've read in Griffin's books so far. It was beautifully written, sweet and sensual. McAllister definitely scored points in that scene.
Essentially this story sort of continues from ONE LAST BREATH that's why it I think it's important to read these two books in sequence. Celie's ex-husband who was involved in some shady business in book 1 ends up dead after a strange visit to Celie, who has moved on with her life. Both Celie and John were secondary characters in the first book. When I met them in that book I was immediately intrigued by John and Celie also definitely caught my attention.
But even though many aspects of the storyline of ONE WRONG STEP find their origin in the other book of the duology, still it is anything but predictable.
The first few pages of the prologue of this book had my heart pounding in anticipation of another great Laura Griffin story to come. And my anticipation was met yet again. It was realistic, fast-paced, undiluted, the humor was subtle and the suspense was superb. I can't praise Laura Griffin enough for the way she writes suspense plots. It was thrilling, unpredictable and perfectly set up, keeping me reading and wanting to know the next development in the story. Players are introduced, clues are revealed, pieces fall into place and even though I received a lot of information along the way, the wrap-up was still surprising and original. As I've grown used to from her, with ONE WRONG STEP she has delivered a book with a lovely romance, excellent suspense, great characters and a wonderful ending. At a certain point I thought the plot had been wrapped up but because I still had about 80 pages to go I knew that couldn't be it. And luckily it wasn't. The last 80 pages were action-filled and extremely fast-paced, tying loose ends and the book ended with a lovely and tear-jerking epilogue.
The combination of the blossoming and touching love story and the compelling suspense is one that Laura Griffin masters skillfully and she has delivered on it with every book I've read by her hand. This combination is the backbone of each story and yet at the same time every story is amazingly unique. The dynamics between the main couple are different in every book, which is logical due to their different personalities. It gives each book its own vibe even when they're linked.
Combining brilliant suspense with romance that is excellently put together emotionally and the slightly more sensual tone proved to be a winning formula for me. ONE WRONG STEP is my favorite Griffin book to-date. WHISPER OF WARNING comes really close and I've rated them equally but this one definitely tops the list. And with this book my stack of Laura Griffin books has been read and I'm eagerly awaiting her next masterpiece. News of a new series starring two secondary characters from WHISPER OF WARNING has reached me and I can't wait.
John McAllister is a reporter who is the embodiment of the charming playboy who can talk any woman into his bed. He is confident and enjoys the company of women. That is until he crosses paths again with Celie Wells, his former colleague's (Feenie from ONE LAST BREATH) best friend. She evokes feelings in him he has never experienced before and trying to stay professional while he writes a story on her ex-husband's murder proves to be difficult.
Celie is resilient and brave. She is compassionate and an open book for everyone. Before she found out the trouble her ex-husband was in, she had the life of a perfect suburban housewife. Now she's divorced, longing for a family and a suspect in the investigation of her ex' murder. And on top of that she has to deal with her attraction to John, the reporter out to get the dirt on her.
The attraction between Celie and John is apparent but they both fight it. John doesn't want to commit himself to a woman in that way. Celie fights the attraction the most because she thinks they're only compatible on a sexual level. She literally tries to keep her distance physically but about half way through the book there's a change in her feelings. She makes a U-turn and suddenly stops fighting the attraction and gives in. The suddenness of this change of heart is the only little (very, very little) thing that bothered me in character development, but I soon forgave Griffin because the love scene that followed it was by far the best and hottest one I've read in Griffin's books so far. It was beautifully written, sweet and sensual. McAllister definitely scored points in that scene.
Essentially this story sort of continues from ONE LAST BREATH that's why it I think it's important to read these two books in sequence. Celie's ex-husband who was involved in some shady business in book 1 ends up dead after a strange visit to Celie, who has moved on with her life. Both Celie and John were secondary characters in the first book. When I met them in that book I was immediately intrigued by John and Celie also definitely caught my attention.
But even though many aspects of the storyline of ONE WRONG STEP find their origin in the other book of the duology, still it is anything but predictable.
The first few pages of the prologue of this book had my heart pounding in anticipation of another great Laura Griffin story to come. And my anticipation was met yet again. It was realistic, fast-paced, undiluted, the humor was subtle and the suspense was superb. I can't praise Laura Griffin enough for the way she writes suspense plots. It was thrilling, unpredictable and perfectly set up, keeping me reading and wanting to know the next development in the story. Players are introduced, clues are revealed, pieces fall into place and even though I received a lot of information along the way, the wrap-up was still surprising and original. As I've grown used to from her, with ONE WRONG STEP she has delivered a book with a lovely romance, excellent suspense, great characters and a wonderful ending. At a certain point I thought the plot had been wrapped up but because I still had about 80 pages to go I knew that couldn't be it. And luckily it wasn't. The last 80 pages were action-filled and extremely fast-paced, tying loose ends and the book ended with a lovely and tear-jerking epilogue.
The combination of the blossoming and touching love story and the compelling suspense is one that Laura Griffin masters skillfully and she has delivered on it with every book I've read by her hand. This combination is the backbone of each story and yet at the same time every story is amazingly unique. The dynamics between the main couple are different in every book, which is logical due to their different personalities. It gives each book its own vibe even when they're linked.
Combining brilliant suspense with romance that is excellently put together emotionally and the slightly more sensual tone proved to be a winning formula for me. ONE WRONG STEP is my favorite Griffin book to-date. WHISPER OF WARNING comes really close and I've rated them equally but this one definitely tops the list. And with this book my stack of Laura Griffin books has been read and I'm eagerly awaiting her next masterpiece. News of a new series starring two secondary characters from WHISPER OF WARNING has reached me and I can't wait.
November 30, 2015
Gosh, I had really high hopes for this book. Based on the previous book in the series, I thought it would be just as good or better. Alas, it was not (at least for me.).
First off, I absolutely loved the ending of the last book where you get a small peek of a budding romance between Celie and John. It seemed promising based on that, but then when we get to their story, it just doesn't seem to work as I thought. I found Celie to be quite idiotic, naive, and clueless which surprised me. She was a spunky firecracker in the last book and she was reduced to a sad sap in this one. She came off as quite stupid at times, especially with the taking of the $200k. Whether you use it for noble purposes or not doesn't matter, because it's stealing. And keep in mind, you know your ex was hiding it from drug lords and it was most likely dirty money, best case scenario would be you are technically stealing it from drug lords. Not my idea of a fun time. Anyone with half a brain would walk away so you aren't hassled (or murdered) by gang members and thugs.
The relationship between John and Celie was like watching a pair of toddlers try to communicate. Clearly both of them seem to have constipation of the brain, because neither one of them had the words or the common sense to just lay it out and say how they felt. Their constant back and forth became as annoying as a small child whining "I'm MAD at you!". Which doesn't make any sense at all, since Celie had NO expectations that anything would come of their "couplings" being that she knows John is quite the ladies man. So if he doesn't show interest in having a relationship, she has no one to be mad at but herself for expecting what she already knows could be fairly impossible. (while in actuality, he did put vibes out that he liked her a lot and wanted more, but she just was so focused on being an idiot that she didn't notice).
But there was something in this book that I really appreciated - I liked the relationship that was developing between Kate Kepler and Mike Rowe. I loved the playful banter and the flirtation and irritation they had with each other. That really made a bright spot in an otherwise dull book. I just wish it would have turned out differently, I actually liked their relationship (despite the odd age gap) better than that of John and Celie. Less hangups, more forthcoming, better communication.
Thoughts - Book 1 (One Last Breath) in Borderline series, way better than book 2 (One Wrong Step). Will I read L Griffin in the future? Most likely, since I really do like her writing style and the dialogue and banter between characters (and because I have other books of hers on my bookshelves!)
First off, I absolutely loved the ending of the last book where you get a small peek of a budding romance between Celie and John. It seemed promising based on that, but then when we get to their story, it just doesn't seem to work as I thought. I found Celie to be quite idiotic, naive, and clueless which surprised me. She was a spunky firecracker in the last book and she was reduced to a sad sap in this one. She came off as quite stupid at times, especially with the taking of the $200k. Whether you use it for noble purposes or not doesn't matter, because it's stealing. And keep in mind, you know your ex was hiding it from drug lords and it was most likely dirty money, best case scenario would be you are technically stealing it from drug lords. Not my idea of a fun time. Anyone with half a brain would walk away so you aren't hassled (or murdered) by gang members and thugs.
The relationship between John and Celie was like watching a pair of toddlers try to communicate. Clearly both of them seem to have constipation of the brain, because neither one of them had the words or the common sense to just lay it out and say how they felt. Their constant back and forth became as annoying as a small child whining "I'm MAD at you!". Which doesn't make any sense at all, since Celie had NO expectations that anything would come of their "couplings" being that she knows John is quite the ladies man. So if he doesn't show interest in having a relationship, she has no one to be mad at but herself for expecting what she already knows could be fairly impossible. (while in actuality, he did put vibes out that he liked her a lot and wanted more, but she just was so focused on being an idiot that she didn't notice).
But there was something in this book that I really appreciated - I liked the relationship that was developing between Kate Kepler and Mike Rowe. I loved the playful banter and the flirtation and irritation they had with each other. That really made a bright spot in an otherwise dull book. I just wish it would have turned out differently, I actually liked their relationship (despite the odd age gap) better than that of John and Celie. Less hangups, more forthcoming, better communication.
Thoughts - Book 1 (One Last Breath) in Borderline series, way better than book 2 (One Wrong Step). Will I read L Griffin in the future? Most likely, since I really do like her writing style and the dialogue and banter between characters (and because I have other books of hers on my bookshelves!)
December 29, 2010
Laura Griffin is a promising upcoming writer and one of her earlier works, One Wrong Step demonstrates that. Her characters are all strong and intelligent with a plot to compliment these traits. I really enjoyed it and put found it hard to put down. A notable downside was that the ending left much to be desired. I see the appeal in leaving some relationships and connections open, perhaps to engage the reader's imagination, or more likely to continue it in future novels, but in this case it felt unresolved. That could be a good thing if I'm left wanting to re-connect with the characters and be apprised of their lives.
Cecelia Wells is a strong woman who has been through a lot; surviving a brutal attack, enduring a divorce, mending a broken spirit, and as the plot reveals, smack dab in the middle of a powerful drug lord's radar. She has something that he wants, something that he ex-husband stole from him, and in which Celie has unwittingly used. If that's not enough problems than she can handle, the event also triggers the reappearance of John McAllister into her life. John is a playboy first and a reporter second. Or was a playboy until Celie. Nonetheless, he is all wrong for her. She wants a family to settle down with, and she can't quite picture him as a family man. Which he goes to prove how wrong she is as he turns into her partner and protector during this crisis. As Celie struggles to resist the attraction that has always existed between them, but is now stronger than ever, they must also elude attempts on her life.
Plenty of actions and romance, although I'm not quite convinced John is the best person for Celie. They both aren't perfect. As giving and kind as Celie is, she has a tendency to lie, lies that are life-altering and dangerous. Whereas, John can be quite insensitive and indecisive about his feelings. They do manage to overcome most of these issues but at the same time it wasn't completely realistic. Theirs wasn't the only relationship that captured my interest; Kate Kepler and Mike Rowe also interested me and hopefully they will have a story to share.
Cecelia Wells is a strong woman who has been through a lot; surviving a brutal attack, enduring a divorce, mending a broken spirit, and as the plot reveals, smack dab in the middle of a powerful drug lord's radar. She has something that he wants, something that he ex-husband stole from him, and in which Celie has unwittingly used. If that's not enough problems than she can handle, the event also triggers the reappearance of John McAllister into her life. John is a playboy first and a reporter second. Or was a playboy until Celie. Nonetheless, he is all wrong for her. She wants a family to settle down with, and she can't quite picture him as a family man. Which he goes to prove how wrong she is as he turns into her partner and protector during this crisis. As Celie struggles to resist the attraction that has always existed between them, but is now stronger than ever, they must also elude attempts on her life.
Plenty of actions and romance, although I'm not quite convinced John is the best person for Celie. They both aren't perfect. As giving and kind as Celie is, she has a tendency to lie, lies that are life-altering and dangerous. Whereas, John can be quite insensitive and indecisive about his feelings. They do manage to overcome most of these issues but at the same time it wasn't completely realistic. Theirs wasn't the only relationship that captured my interest; Kate Kepler and Mike Rowe also interested me and hopefully they will have a story to share.
December 31, 2010
Cecelia Wells knew better than to answer the door the night her Ex Robert showed up after all he was her Ex for a reason. Rumors of his death had been greatly exaggerated and he was definitely not the Chinese food delivery she’d been expecting. Fast forward a couple hours and now the Ex has been found permanently X-d out and in the SUV he stole right out from under Celie’s nose. There will be no miraculous resurrection for Robert this time. Next thing Celia knows the Feds come a-calling and the Saledo crime family wants it’s missing money Robert stole from them and everyone is looking to Celie for the answers. Thanks for nothing dear hubby for dumping your garbage on my doorstep - R.I.P. Thank goodness handsome, hunky reporter John McAllister (a walking, talking impersonation of Matthew McConaughey as described by Celie's neighbor Dax), an old acquaintance of Celie’s has come to her rescue.
Celie's been through a lot recently including surviving a sexual assault, so even though she knows John is extremely interested in her, his playboy ways and her past history means they have some tough hurdles to overcome. Not to mention trying remain alive because things just aren't adding up and the mob ain't fooling around...they want their missing money back - NOW!
Celie's been through a lot recently including surviving a sexual assault, so even though she knows John is extremely interested in her, his playboy ways and her past history means they have some tough hurdles to overcome. Not to mention trying remain alive because things just aren't adding up and the mob ain't fooling around...they want their missing money back - NOW!
August 2, 2013
Celie Wells has built herself a life after divorcing her crooked accountant husband. But one night, he jumps by. An hour later he's dead in a car accident.
John McAllister is a playboy reporter who covered a trial where Celie testified against her rapist as a college co-ed. He was intern then and he never forget.
When he meets her to question her about her hubby's death her recognizes her, and what a story he may have.
Then the FBI enters the scene because Celie's ex had disappeared with a ton of cash.
Things start happening � a drug lord is looking for that ton of cash that was his � and its John standing by her side. Celie finds him attractive but doesn't want to be a notch on his bedpost or a name in his stories, but she would like a baby.
John thinks she's hot and wants her in his bed.
Celie stops fighting temptation and lands in bed with John, but the morning after its John that feels betrayed.
As these two battle each other and the bad guys, Griffin keeps the action moving along.
John McAllister is a playboy reporter who covered a trial where Celie testified against her rapist as a college co-ed. He was intern then and he never forget.
When he meets her to question her about her hubby's death her recognizes her, and what a story he may have.
Then the FBI enters the scene because Celie's ex had disappeared with a ton of cash.
Things start happening � a drug lord is looking for that ton of cash that was his � and its John standing by her side. Celie finds him attractive but doesn't want to be a notch on his bedpost or a name in his stories, but she would like a baby.
John thinks she's hot and wants her in his bed.
Celie stops fighting temptation and lands in bed with John, but the morning after its John that feels betrayed.
As these two battle each other and the bad guys, Griffin keeps the action moving along.
December 16, 2010
I think Laura Griffin just can't write a bad book as I'm steadily working through her backlist right now and enjoying even these early books. For a second novel, this is particularly impressive. I like how human her characters are. Celie screws up and makes realistically bad choices (not in a TSTL way at all), and she is all the more likable as a result. MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD: I give her HUGE bonus points for not giving Celie a "magic baby" epilogue--she treated her infertility very fairly. I get frustrated with some romances where the character has faced years and years of infertility only to end up with a honeymoon baby in the epilogue. It would be nice if life really worked like that! Celie's HEA was very fitting for her journey and very realistic. I also am now dying for Agent Rowe and Katie Kempler to get a book!
December 6, 2011
Celie, the best friend in the first book, is a much more likeable character in this book even though she makes some extremely questionable decisions. She's confused about her sexuality, her role in life, and her worth to others, and all of this leads to a bunch of choices that some readers would label TSTL. However, I think Griffin drew Celie with a deft hand, and I understood why she did the things she did and why John forgave her.
I really enjoyed that the mystery wasn't so much what the bad guys were doing, but what Celie was doing/had done and wasn't talking about.
I also liked the subplot about Mike and Kate. 24 and 38 is a huge age difference, and even though I'd like to see these two in future books, I don't think Griffin was wrong to let things lie between them.
I really enjoyed that the mystery wasn't so much what the bad guys were doing, but what Celie was doing/had done and wasn't talking about.
I also liked the subplot about Mike and Kate. 24 and 38 is a huge age difference, and even though I'd like to see these two in future books, I don't think Griffin was wrong to let things lie between them.
May 23, 2015
Fast paced, all forward moving story. Didn't want to put it down. Great characters, although I will say If I'm comparing the two novels from this series, I much preferred Feenie and Juarez to Celie and John....still, great characters.
I love how this book ended. The last chapter was almost a complete surprise. I expected only one aspect of it...but the location they ended up was at first shocking, and then one tiny little sentence within that chapter had the lump rising harshly in my throat....
I have now finished reading all the novels in The Borderline, Glass Sisters and Tracers series that are published to date.... I honestly couldn't pick a favourite series to recommend readers start with... All of Ms. Griffin's books were fabulous, fast paced reads.
I love how this book ended. The last chapter was almost a complete surprise. I expected only one aspect of it...but the location they ended up was at first shocking, and then one tiny little sentence within that chapter had the lump rising harshly in my throat....
I have now finished reading all the novels in The Borderline, Glass Sisters and Tracers series that are published to date.... I honestly couldn't pick a favourite series to recommend readers start with... All of Ms. Griffin's books were fabulous, fast paced reads.
October 21, 2008
Laura Griffin does it again! This story is about Celie Wells, who was a secondary character in One Last Breath. I highly suggest you read OLB first before this one so you have all of the relevant background info. Celie and John's romance is another hit in this book, as well as the story of Celie being targeted by a well known drug lord. I definitely see another book in this series (Griffin has named it her Borderline series). FBI Agent Mike Rowe and reporter Kate Kepler need a book of their own and I felt there were some ties left undone with regard to these two. My heart about broke for Agent Rowe at one point in the book and I really hope Griffin explores him further.
April 13, 2011
Cecilia Wells has a hard life but found her prince in John McAllister, although initially he acted like a toad. They danced around one another never acknowleding their love for each other. Celie is one tough lady and managed to save herself again and again leaving the hero to eat her dust. The part where she was trying for a baby by going through the IVF is not described thoroughly but did convey her desire for a child. The last chapter on their visit to a Russian orphanage however is heart breaking and heart warming as they found a child - makes you wish for the book to continue to find out how they get on.
July 15, 2009
This was a straight-up romantic suspense novel with interesting characters and hint of a sub-plot for some secondary characters. Celie's ex-husband mysterious reappears, demanding the money he stole from a drug lord and secreted away. Hours later, he's run off the road and killed, putting Celie in the sights of two separate cartels. Enter an old acquaintance and reporter, John, who is more concerned with her safety than the story. Throw in an eager new reporter, some jaded FBI agents, and a kidnapping or two and you've got the idea. A good read.
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