Under Shadow of Doubt (originally titled Fly Away Peta) by Aussie author, Juanita Kees was a definite surprise for me as it was far better than I imagined it to be.

When Peta Johnson’s ten-year-old daughter is kidnapped, her world is turned upside down, but this is only the start as we follow the story we soon find out this is not a straightforward kidnapping, but will Peta ever see her daughter again? Heart-stopping romantic suspense that will have you gasping as you wonder how this will end.

This is the first book in the Under the Law series and what a fantastic start to the series and I can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Netgalley for my digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.

Peta and Jaime were childhood sweethearts. Until it all went wrong, Jaime under pressure from his parents, ran off to join the military. Peta is left behind with more than memories, in the form of a daughter. We join the story with Peta being forced to come, when her psychotic ex husband kidnaps her daughter. Jaime is now back home to help his sick father. When Peta and Jaime meet up again, its clear they have unfinished business together. When they are forced together to rescue their daughter sparks sure fly. I loved the romance, action and intrigue. It kept me interested right till the end. Recommended for fans of romantic intrigue.

Under Shadow of Doubt by Juanita Kees

Peta Johnson has made a very public life for herself. She has also made many mistakes in her life. Marrying the man who became a monster is just one of them. Her ex-husband has kidnapped her daughter and wants the money as he has been associated with Bikie groups. Peta just wants her daughter. She returns to her hometown for a charity benefit but the reality is that her ex has her daughter somewhere in the area.

Her brother is helping her to track her ex-husband and also running protection for her. Accidently, Peta runs into her first love. Jaime has returned home from a stint in the defence forces fighting overseas. He has returned to run the family business. He meets with Peta and the old feelings bubble to the top. Peta needs to keep her distance from Jaime as Paul, Peta’s ex, despises him.

Paul leads them on what might be considered a wild chase as he puts in his demands. Bella is finally recovered and Peta, Bella and Jaime are in protection until the Bikie group are contained. While this is happening, Peta and Jaime try to sort through their feelings for each other but Peta also needs to tell Jaime that he is a father. When they decide to be together, Peta and Jaime need to pacify their families as their parents were hell-bent on separating them and maintaining that distance.

The story is a little predictable but it was a good read. There was suspense as to whether Peta may get her daughter back but as with all good romances, we know that will happen. The twists and turns add to the tension but I found it interesting as to how the story did develop and how the couple do get back together.

reviewed by Heather

I've been wanting to read a book by Juanita Kees and Under Shadow of Doubt was a great introduction to her work. The writing was tight, developed and well-paced. On top of all that it was thoroughly entertaining. Love, family, and suspense all played equal roles within a second-chance romance. The story hints at additional characters' future stories and I look forward to continuing with this author. Highly enjoyable and satisfying.

This is a fast paced action filled story that is also very sensual and emotional I ploughed through this one with its fabulous story line of lost love, kidnapping and the underworld my recommendation is sit back with a drink and enjoy.

Peta Johnson is a singing sensation from the small Western Australian town of Williams but after her first and true love left her nine years ago without a word Peta moved onto a new life with a husband and her daughter but when that husband turns out to be such a monster Peta needs to return home to do what she can to save her daughter Bella. But then her life does a big about turn when Jaime Caruso is also in town the man she has never stopped loving and that spark is still there but will a secret bring them closer or push them apart?

Jaime moved on nine years earlier due to pressure from family he took off and joined the army did his tours of Afghanistan but always kept in touch with his best friend Peta’s brother Detective Sargent Mark Johnson and was always told Peta was happily married so when he meets her again he is stunned to find out what has gone on with her and when he finds out about Bella, Jaime is determined that things are going to change because he has never forgotten Peta.

This is a beautiful and edge of your seat story Peta and Jaime had both been young years before but now is the time for second chance love the secrets are out the family involvement is out and life could not be looking any better for these two people it is now time to start anew with their family. It was great seeing Paul Peta’s ex get is just deserts but this will definitely see another story bring on Mark’s story. Thank you MS Kees for a fabulous story and I look forward to more in this series I loved this one.

Peta, a music icon, finds herself face to face with Jaime, the love of her life who got away, while facing the cruelty of her ex-husband. As expected, the lovebirds reconnect. It was interesting to read as these two reluctant lovers get together. I thought Jaime was extraordinarily accepting and gracious as h risks his life while helping this woman. He was also amazingly forgiving upon learning about a secret she’s been keeping from him for 10 years. Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for ARC

A powerful reunion story! We're met with intrigue from the start as they search for her kidnapped daughter. There are some holes in the plot throughout the book when big things are brought up and never developed, but overall it was a fast paced, action packed story with interesting characters.

Peta Johnson wanted a good life and thought she would enjoy that with her daughter and husband, but instead he turned into a man she didn't recognize. Now her daughter is in danger and she'll do anything to get her back!

Jaime Caruso was Peta's high school sweetheart, but he walked out on her to join the military and never looked back ... or so she thought. He happens to be back in town to help his ailing father just when Peta needs him most ... to help rescue the daughter he didn't even know he had!

I really enjoyed reading this book, and would love to continue to read the authors work. I will be putting a review up on my blog and recommend this book to my followers.

I enjoyed this book. I loved the chemistry between characters. Looking forward to read more from this author.

Under Shadow of Doubt by Juanita Kees
Under the Law #1

Kidnapping, abusive relationship, second chance at love, manipulative families and more made this an action packed story from the first to the last.

In a few pages much happened and for some reason I came away asking, “Why?” or “That is impossible, isn’t it?” way too many times. First up was the idea that the uncle of a kidnapped child would be lead in the investigation – I thought that family were not allowed to take part let alone be lead when family is involved. Second thought was why anyone would go to the effort they did to get back taped copies of illegal actions when copies are no doubt just as valid as the real thing. Third that came up was that a gunshot wound that required surgery would not see the wounded up and about and making love quite so rapidly. There were more but three mentioned are enough for now.

I did like the concept and flow of the story but felt there should have been “more” background, character development and believability to certain aspects of the story. As this is the first book in a series perhaps some of the questions I had while reading will be fleshed out in future books.

Thank you to NetGalley and Escape Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest review.

3 Stars

This review will appear on the link below approx 18th February

When her ex-husband kidnapped her ten year old daughter Bella, Peta Johnson was devastated. Paul had ended up in the wrong crowd and his cruel and tormenting ways toward Peta had escalated until she’d finally seen sense and divorced him. Peta was a well sought after singer, situated in the city of Perth, Western Australia, and her return to the small town of Williams was something she didn’t think would ever happen. But she would do anything to get her daughter back and that included returning to Williams.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Johnson was Peta’s brother, and along with his partner Detective Harold Jones, they had her safety and Bella’s at the forefront of their minds. Mark was also a good friend of Jaime Caruso, the guy who had left Peta all those years ago – walked away and didn’t look back. She had been shattered; her love for Jaime had never abated, but her anger was still there. And her mistrust. So when Jaime appeared in front of her, she was shocked! Peta hadn’t seen him for ten years – what was he doing there now?

But the danger from Peta’s ex-husband was real – he was psychotic; determined to get what he wanted. And that was Peta. Suddenly they were swept up in a nightmare that wouldn’t go away. Would Peta find Bella? And would Jaime leave again? Break her heart again?

Under Shadow of Doubt by Aussie author Juanita Kees is an excellent romantic suspense novel that I couldn’t put down. The pace was electric, the plot brilliant. This is #1 in the Under the Law series (and originally titled Fly Away Peta; reworked and edited with significant changes) and I’m very much looking forward to book #2. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this digital copy to read in exchange for my honest review.

A well-written story about old lovers reuniting. And it’s always refreshing to read an Australian author and to know different settings and places. As usual I preferred the romantic plot, with its associated web of friendship and family relationships, over the suspense one, a bit dragging sometimes.
I felt that the revelation about Bella’s paternity was a bit anti-climaxing and that the final misunderstanding/twist, and the consequent heroine’s desistance, was far-fetched and pointless.
All in all, a good read and an author I’ll be following.

I love the concept of this fast paced story. Very suspenseful for a romance novel, with great twists and turns, and a gutsy main female character who would do anything for her daughter.
Still, I did not like it as much as I thought I would. The dialogue was wooden, and not very believable, neither were the reactions of Jamie, who unlike Peta seemed to be too much of a pushover, especially considering what his supposed background was. He should have put more of a fight up with her, her brother more being the alpha male in this story, than the lead male character.

Also, I did not believe that there was any true chemistry between the two, they just did not seem as compatible, as we are made out to believe.

Other than that, I enjoyed the story, and while the author placed more emphasize on creating memorable side characters, it was still not a bad book. I have read a lot worse. Entertaining, as long as you do not expect to be blown away.

This is my first time reading a book by Juanita Kees. The concept of a woman wanting to find her kidnapped daughter and being thrown into the path of a man she has always loved drew me in. When Peta and Jamie first encounter one another again after ten years apart, the sparks fly. They have chemistry and their backstory is solid. The reasons behind Bella's kidnapping are revealed gradually and at the right pace.

Up until the start of the story, Jamie's been running from a life his family have mapped out from him, but it's never really stated what kind of life he wants for himself – he doesn't really have a clear goal. He's having to take on the family business because of his father's failing health, but he is doing so out of obligation. I would have liked this part of the story to have been expanded on a little, because as it it serves more as a backstory and we never really see how this impacts on Jamie's life all that much, or how it may affect his and Peta's future.

There is way too much focus placed on the attraction between Peta and Jamie. I guess that shouldn't really be a complaint given that this is a romance, but because the event that brings them together is a kidnapping and there is an element of danger involved, I did feel the emotion and inner turmoil the characters should have had was underwritten. After a while the story starts to feel repetitive in places, especially when it comes to the way the two main characters interact with each other physically.

Under Shadow of Doubt is a quick read with action, romance, and a satisfying ending. Worth a read.

Peta is running scared & trying to get her daughter back from her ex-husband, Paul. Returning to her tiny hometown while waiting for him to contact her she has to perform as if nothing is wrong which wouldn't be too difficult, but she know the love of her life (and father of her daughter) wasn't going to be there.
When Jamie hears Peta is back & performing at the local dance he doesn't want to see her, but can't stay away... he's been away too long & owes her explanationson. He didn't expect to be attacked but Peta's brother (cop & her temp body guard) has hinted there's trouble.
This book takes you for a thrilling ride with Romance, action & intrigue. The characters are easy to like, but some of the more romantic interludes seemed forced.
Although the story kept me interested I'm hoping the punctuations and formatting is fixed. It gets very confusing when two or more characters speak in the same paragraph, also no quotation marks were used.... looked like apostrophes on Kindle. However, I did finish the story because it was good.

a good solid fast paced book

Very intriguing. Fast paced and suspenseful. Right when emotions high at the end of a dramatic event, BAM, a twist with the couple's relationship.

Good enough read, I wish the heroine was a bit harder on the hero, I would have liked to have seen him work for it a bit more. Overall it was a good read