A night of betrayal tears Johnny and Melia apart, but things are not what they seem as you will find out when you read this exciting, suspense-filled story. I was not sure how I felt about this book when I first started reading it, and then all of the sudden it came alive for me. It is a very complex story that is filled with tension and suspense. It had me totally absorbed in the plot and on pins and needles as everything unfolded.

A complex story, well-developed and interesting characters, drama and emotion along with an unexpected twist had me engrossed in the story right up until the end. Loved this book! I'll be reading more from this author for sure.

Dr. Melia Rose and ex-Marine Johnny Hunt had it all. Until one night in Atlantic City changed everything. She’s left shocked, confused, and alone, unable to come to terms with what happened.

Hell, she doesn’t even know what happened; she just knows her life has taken a one-eighty.

Now, Melia’s started over—again—in her secluded, boring life in the swamps of Florida. The people are great, she has a housekeeper who may or may not be Bette Davis reincarnated, and it’s quiet. But when her ex-husband shows up, dropping a bomb of epic proportions, her new life is a whole lot more dangerous than she could have ever imagined.

There’s nothing Johnny wants more than to undo the damage from the past. The secrets he’s been carrying have been eating away at him, but protecting Melia was more important than anything else. Even his own life. He managed to save her last time, but the danger is close—too close. In order to save her once more from his demons, Johnny will have to come clean…about everything.

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This was a first for me and I'll be real honest on this review...The synopsis sounded so promising and then I read the book and DNF'd it at 18% - It just wasn't my cup of tea. I couldn't get through it no matter how hard I tried. I found it to be unbelievable and totally concocted. The threat sounded more like a missing piece of mail to be honest. Will not be reading anything like this again.

Jenna Ryan is back with the latest book in her Dark Justice series, Dark Justice: Hunt. This is an adventure packed novel with intrigue, relationship issues and plenty of action to keep the reader glued to the pages. Ryan's tongue and cheek humor sets a light tone for the book and sparks fly between the hero and heroine. Readers looking for a book that is quick to read, emotional and sensual will find just what they are looking for with this one.



What I liked:



I'm a sucker for a good hero and Johnny Hunt certainly filled that role well. Currently a US Marshal and a former Marine, this hero had heart, charisma and a strong moral code. The actions he takes to ensure the safety of his wife were not only drastic but heart breaking. Ryan does a wonderful job of showing how difficult the last three years have been for both Melia and Johnny. He may be an alpha male but his heart shows through in all of his actions. I like a strong man, but one who knows how to share his emotions as well, is hard to come by.



Melia has been through a lot even before this book begins. It's been three years since she's seen her ex-husband but it's obvious her feelings are still there. Melia is portrayed as a woman of substance, she's a doctor and she takes all of her actions very seriously. And actions she believed she committed against Johnny have weighed heavily on her. As a heroine, she was strong and intuitive. She was her own person and didn't need to be coddled. I thought Ryan did an excellent job of giving the reader a strong female lead.



Most romances follow a pretty predictable pattern. Boy meets girl. They fall in love. Have some issues. Break up. Get back together. Live happily ever after. Not so in this book and it made all the difference. I liked the fact that Ryan gives readers an already established relationship. She essentially cuts out the middle man. She gives readers a couple who not only know each other, but love each other, right from the beginning. It made the story take a different direction than expected and that's something readers are looking for. Something different to make a book stand out. Ryan pulled this off well by changing the rules a little bit. I liked that. Typical and predictable often lead to boring.



This book was full of action, intrigue and hot romance. I never used to think I liked romantic suspense but in the past few years that has changed. I didn't think I liked male characters who were commanding and forceful, but that's changed too. I've found with books like this one, an author can strike a good balance between too much suspense and just enough. Also the romance can be hot and steamy, but there can still be a lot of tenderness and emotion conveyed. Ryan does a great job blending all of these elements together in Dark Justice: Hunt. And readers won't be disappointed in the outcome.





What I didn't Like:



I was slightly disappointed in the way that Johnny chose to handle a difficult situation. To me it seemed like their could have been many other ways to protect Melia without making her feel ashamed of herself and her actions. I think she was a strong character who could have understood the danger and been a support to Johnny, but that would have changed the entire plot of this book. I thought Ryan might have been able to tweak a few things and make this part of the novel better, but she make up for this part in the end.



There is action and then there is too much action. This one walked a fine line. From fire fights to poison to explosions. It could have gotten a bit out of hand, but Ryan was able to reel it back in with the romantic elements of the story. I want my romantic suspense novels to be believable. To have some sense of reality. Most people don't go out their front door expecting drug lords and bullets. That being said, this was still an good book.



Bottom Line:



I liked this one. It had a lot of good things going for it from a very sexy hero with a heart of gold to some quirky secondary characters, like Gert the housekeeper. Ryan gives us a story that doesn't follow the pattern we are used to in romance. I liked the established relationship but had a bit of difficulty with Johnny's treatment of a delicate matter. There is plenty to love here and in the end it all works out the way we want it to. But what a journey!

This is a real roller coaster of a ride. Lots of twists and turns , suspense and a love story kind of thrown in ! I enjoyed it but didn’t like the the way Johnny decided to control their life. Enjoyed the humor and secondary characters.

Johnny was in Istanbul and had been sixteen months but even now he didn’t fully understand what the local ritual entailed. Then Johnny heard McCabe’s voice and knew that could only mean trouble. Johnny and McCabe were lifelong friends and sometimes nemesis. Then McCabe said Satyr’s got sniffer dogs checking Melia and he had no idea why. Johnny said if Ben Satyr's then he had figured out Johnny still cared. Johnny said how his room tossed two weeks ago. Whoever had done it took the money he left for thieves and ran. Melia was Johnny’s ex wife. Johnny had gone to am extremely painful lengths to ensure Melia’s safety. No way would he let a bastard drug lord like Satyr threaten Melia on any level.They had set Melia up and remembering how they done it still made Johnny sick, they had tricked Melia into thinking she had slept with another man. Then Johnny had told Melia he couldn’t deal with what she had done and left and took a job overseas. Once he knew Melia was safe he started a divorce. It had hurt melia like hell but it had almost killed Johnny. He’d done it to keep Satyr from taking out his insane need for revenge on Melia and it had worked. But why all of a sudden three years later satyr shows interest in Melia? Johnny told McCabe Satyr’s threats were real , he was going to kill Melia to make Johnny suffer and they knew he meant it. Keeping Melia safe was all Johnny cared about, all he thought about, all he wanted. It was Johnny’s first, last, and only goal in life. Satyr had personal reason for wanting to destroy Johnny’s life. Satyr had loved Julie who had committed suicide and he blamed Johnny. Satyr had a personal reason to destroy Johnny’s life. Those reasons went back to a time they had spent in an Iraqi prison. But the nightmare had started long before that but Iraq had been the culmination. Long before Satyr went to work for Mochrie- who was as insane and sadistic as Satyr was. Melia was now living in Deceptive Cove in the Florida Everglades. She had been there for fourteen months before that she had spent a year in New Hampshire and a year in South Carolina. She had went to McCabe for every move Mccabe showed up in Malia’s clinic and then went for a drink and he was telling her the truth about being set up. Johnny was also in Deceptive Cove and ahd felt he should be the one telling Melia. Johnny saw men come in camo with Binoculars and guns they passed him but there was a third man. Johnny took out all three.There had been a shooting in the bar four blanks from the sheriff's son Cas and one real shot from a magnum. McCabe left in ablink but Johnny stayed and Melia wished it had been the other way around. Melia knew she couldn’t be around Johnny.After a grenade went off in Melia’s clinic and a smoke bomb and it became known Johnny was Melia’s ex husband. Violence was stepping up on trying to get Melia. Johnny told Melia he still loved her , he had never stopped. Melia wasn’t ready to forgive and forget being set up and all she had went through in the three years she had lived with the fake knowledge she had cheated on Johnny.
I liked this book. I liked the plot a lot but this dragged for me at times. But I did keep reading as I wanted to see what happened next and what happened with Melia and Johnny. I love that Johnny would and did give up everything to keep Melia safe. I liked that Melia held onto her anger as much as she could when she found out she had been set up. But Melia also knew when to give into her heart. I loved the action, intrigue, betrayal, romance, chemistry. Small town life and everything else that went into this book a lot. I loved the characters and the twists and turns of this book and I recommend.

Ex-Marine Johnny Hunt did what he thought best to keep his wife safe, but now it seems his past is coming back to haunt him, and again he has to do everything in his power to protect her. However, keeping his secret is no longer an option and when Melia learns the truth, will she ever be able to trust Johnny again or will their second chance at happy ever after never happen?

What an enthralling, fast-paced, wild ride Ms. Ryan takes readers on in this second book of her Dark Justice series where the storyline was filled with suspenseful moments and had me worried for Johnny and Melia; the main characters had me loving their past history and their growing relationship on their way to hopefully getting a second chance at forever; and the dialogue was compelling, as it wasn't only told from the hero and heroine's points-of-view, but also the bad guys. However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time after things went awry between them in the past and I could understand Melia's reaction, especially once she discovers what Johnny did to keep her safe. Will Melia allow Johnny back into her life?

Both the main characters are compelling and I loved their history and the fight Johnny has on his hands to keep Melia safe and win her back. Moreover, the heroine is resiient, courageous and I liked her friendship with her housekeeper, as the woman is protective of Melia and loves to tease. I also loved the challenge the heroine provided the hero because it's palpable she wants nothing to do with him, especially once she learns of what Johnny did in the past. And really, who could blame Melia if she ended up loathing the hero for what he did? Then again, she doesn't really have a choice but to have Johnny shadowing her every move. While the hero, he's confident in his skills to keep the heroine safe and I liked all the obstacles this pair had to overcome to be together including whether Melia can forgive Johnny and whether the hero can take down those responsible for coming after them. Will Johnny be able to eliminate the threats?

Overall, Ms. Ryan has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between this couple was strong, if not stronger than it was in the past; the romance was wonderful; and the ending had me on the edge-of-my-seat with worry for the main characters, but had me liking how everything worked out for the best for the pair. I would recommend Dark Justice: Hunt by Jenna Ryan, if you enjoy romantic suspense, the second chance romance trope, or books by authors Rya Stone, Claudia Shelton, Sheryl Nantus and Pamela Clare.

First time author for me and I am looking forward to reading more, this is well written and the characters had a wonderful chemistry

i was hooked from the beginning. it's really messed up what her ex husband does but i get his reasoning behind it. fun new author and book.

Since I read the first one in this series did not want to miss this one to see what would come about next. This one centers around Melia and Johnny who will keep you on your toes. With their chemistry that they try and deny but is there it adds sizzle to the read. This is also a second chance with seeing where they will go this time. Danger does come along to fuel the story along. One interesting character in here especially since I really like whom she is referenced too. You do want to slap Johnny a time or two or more though. You will a time or two go seriously? really? They do stand alone in reading.

4 stars

Lies, deception and heart ache in this suspenseful story.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Lots of action and intrigue but I really was disappointed in Johnny for setting up the scenario he did to make his wife think she cheated on him and for her when she found out for letting him get away with it - because he suffered along with her and he did it to save her.

My biggest complaint is that there had to have been other better options than what Johnny and McCabe planned. I get that he was concerned for her life but what he did was cruel and a form of emotional torture. i guess if it was me, it would take a lot longer to get over that and forgive.

The attempts on their lives and drama surrounding them was interesting and kept me reading to find out who the local people were that were giving Mockerie updates on Melia. The first one was Satyr's informant and that was a little anticlimatic, as I was expecting it to me one of the more well known towns people, but the two informants of Mockerie were a surprise and kind of wish they had not got away with it.

Relationship-wise, I really didn't see what Johnny and Melia had beyond sex. He couldn't talk about his work, and must have been gone on missions for large amount of their marriage so not a great basis for marriage.

I found the towns people somewhat quirky but a Southerner or Florida resident may have a different take on that! I also wish that there was a little more about Johnny and Melia and where they would live, how they would get along, etc.

I did enjoy the book for the action and intrigue as they tried to stay alive from all the attempts on their lives but just wish that there was a bit more in the romance department than just good sex.

I'm glad I gave this series a second chance because I enjoyed this one. It's a second chance story that I found unique and interesting. The story came together fairly well and I really liked Johnny and Melia. They may be divorced but you can still feel the spark between them. What I wasn't clear on all the time was exactly who the bad guys were and why they suddenly decided to go after Melia. The story seemed to drag in parts so I may not have been as focused as I could have been. Overall it's not a bad read and it is full of action and romance.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I know this is number 2 in a series, and I have not read the first book. This reads well as a stand alone book. I liked Melia but thought Johnny was an ass. WTHeck!! How do you do what he did? Find another way.. So....that put me off from the beginning! Sorry I just couldn't see his point of view. Totally outside my realm of thinking. To me this was not a romance, but more suspense/intrique. If you are expecting a love story it is there but only about 5 pages. I rated this a 3. Maybe I am missing something from the previous book.

Johnny Hunt, special ops hero, did the unthinkable against his wife. Now she, Dr. Melia, is in danger from a ruthless mobster with a vendetta against Johnny. Johnny does everything he can to keep her safe, but it appears Satyr isn't the only enemy ready to kill. It's action packed, smart, funny and charming. Although it's the second of a series I don't believe they are connected storylines. It's been awhile since I read Dark Justice Morgan, but I believe the enemy is the common thread along with Johnny's boss, McCabe. A great thrill ride with a bit of mystery and suspense with a hint of romance. I received my copy through Netgalley.

Some Spoilers

Dark Justice was the first book By Jenna Ryan that I have read. It was an okay read. I will be honest the synopsis sounded so good and I was excited to get started. I am a sucker for second chance romances, but this book fell flat for me. When I first started reading I really got into it. I felt it had real potential. By the 3rd or 4th chapter in, it just flat lined and never really lived up to my expectations. The story never felt deep to me. I never felt like I really knew the main couple. Their relationship felt superficial as well. There was something else that didn't sit right with me either. I felt the hero and heroine both handled the whole "The bad guy is coming to kill me and has already tried many times" thing oddly. They both treated the threat like it was an pimple. Nothing to see here, just a small annoying bump, then they went about their normal life. Even while they were shot at and almost blown up a number of times. So I never felt the fear or drama. Overall the whole read kinda felt like a Harlequin romance, okay to read, but no real depth.

Dark Justice: Hunt by Jenna Ryan
Dark Justice #2

I am on the fence with this book. I loved book one, Morgan, but this book wasn’t quite as well done, in my opinion, as the first book in the series. Why? Well, there was a bit of repetition with the two bad guys thinking and saying they wanted to “kill her (Melia) for revenge – no let me torture her” and her ex-husband saying “I did it to keep you safe but I never stopped loving you”. And, I didn’t feel the deep abiding love between Johnny Hunt and Melia Rose that I might have wished for.

That said…if I forget the trick Johnny played and the lie he perpetrated and only look at the part where he does everything he can to keep Melia safe…that might be okay except…but why were the bad guys so inept unless it was to be a spoof of a story and not meant to be taken seriously? You know, backwoods small town in Florida with stereotypical and/or wacky characters, crazy things happening, moonshine, the token bloodhound and such…

Even after writing the review I am on the fence…

Did I enjoy the story? Kind of

Do I want to read the next book in the series? Yes

Why do I want to read another? I want to find out what happens between McCabe and Mockerie (a very bad man)

I am also curious about Laidlaw…mentioned in this book…he might deserve a story of his own…maybe?

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

3 Stars

I had read and enjoyed the first book in the Dark Justice series, Morgan, and eagerly anticipated the opportunity to read this sequel. However, somehow this one doesn’t seem to have the same vibe, the characters seem disconnected and somewhat two dimensional. I’m not sure if my problems arose from my reactions to how Johnny set up his wife to believe she’s been unfaithful to him in order to protect her, personally prefer honesty rather than manipulation even if it is in the name of love.

There’s plenty of action and it will keep you guessing. It may be that I’m just not in the right mood to appreciate this one but it didn’t draw me into the story. However, you may well love it, so don’t let me put you off giving it a go, especially if you enjoy romantic suspense!

I requested and received a copy of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review after choosing to read it.

I like this book - the plot and the characters kept me interested despite the flaws that make me frustrated with it. I think a good editor could have tightened up this book and made it exceptional instead of merely good. The story has enough potential that I will try the next book when it comes out.

Barely 3 Stars.....

Dark Justice: Hunt by Jenna Ryan is the second book of a series and seriously lacks intensity. While there was an abundance of action and intrigue, I had expected this story to pick up from last and let readers know what happened next with that group of characters; but it wasn’t to be.

I also felt that the main characters lacked chemistry and the overall plot was lacking. I’ll give book three a go, but hope that it is a vast improvement on the first two stories, as this one was a little confusing.

This wild and crazy novel takes you to a myriad of places. Atlantic City, Iraq, Las Vegas and Deception Cove, in the Everglades of Florida. Melia Rose M.D. is madly in love with Johnny Hunt, U.S. Marshall along with a few other titles. They were happily married and on a quick trip to Atlantic City for a conference and a little bit of gambling. Melia wakes up to her life in shambles, her heart broken and her husband gone. That was three years ago. She now practices in a tiny sweltering town in the Everglades with an amazing variety of crazy characters. Her housekeeper Gert/ Bette Davis. A sheriff with an autistic son and the sheriff’s hovering mother, and Melia’s artist cousin Joseph to name just a few. She’s the only Doc in town, and stays pretty busy.

After three years with no contact, all of a sudden Johnny starts appearing with his boss and a couple friends, supposedly to protect her. When Johnny explains their actions in Atlantic City, Melia questions her Hippocratic oath. She would really like to kill Johnny! But there are still sparks between them, and Johnny won’t leave until she’s safe. It gets pretty difficult when bullets fly, her office explodes, a couple of bombs and Gert is poisoned with cyanide, and Melia has to make house calls deep in the Everglades to a variety of eclectic characters.

The banter is very funny, the story a bit confusing and the heat between Johnny and Melia make the Everglades even hotter. I started to put this down a couple times, but ultimately wanted to know what happens, and found my self holding my breath at the end.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to review.
Pat Fordyce