The second in the Jake Carrington thriller series. Unfortunately, I didn't read the first one, so I feel like I didn't enjoy this novel nearly as much as I would've had I read the first book. The relationship between Jake and Mia was sexy and the story is full of twists and turns, intrigue and drama. Although none of the characters really appealed to me, overall the suspense got me guessing to the last minute.

Let me begin by saying that I have not read the first book in this series, so I do not know the ins and outs of Jake's previous relationship with Mia. All I can base my opinions on is this novel.

It was...... meh. I can't classify it as a mystery novel as we all know who is behind what, and I can't really classify it as a thriller as I wasn't thrilled. It tries to have elements of a thriller novel, a police thriller with a dash of romance, but it just missed the mark.

None of the characters are especially likable except maybe Kyra's son Trevor. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for flawed characters, but there was just something one-dimensional about all of these ones. Kyra is a gambler who is in too deep, and manages to get in deeper. And while she does have a bit of a conscious, its not enough to endear her to anyone. Her soon-to-be-ex-husband Tommy is no better whose character we see go from someone who cares about his son to a jerk that tries to assault his ex. Then we have mobster Phil who is seemingly ever cliche I've ever read drawing more attention to himself when he should know better. And finally good old Jake. Who even though he admits he is still in love with his ex, finds himself with feelings for Kyra too. Even though he knows something doesn't add up with her, and knows she has flat out lied to him.

There was just too much to overlook, between the characters and the story-line, things were just too unbelievable even for a work of fiction. I do believe there are people who will enjoy this novel (as evidenced by the 4 and 5 star reviews it has accumulated), however this one was just not for me.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

All the Hidden Sins by Marian Lanouette
Jake Carrington #2

Coming into the series on book two may have impacted my rating. Why? I don’t know Jake’s background with Mia, the woman he seems to have broken up with in book two. I also feel I might have known him better if I had read book one. I do try to come into series at the beginning but had an interest in reading this book so gave it a try and am glad I did.

Jake is, as mentioned, not with the woman he loves and at a social gathering meets Kyra. Kyra is NOT someone I could relate to at all and that could be because I am not a gambling addict. I just didn’t get her and I did not understand Jake’s attraction to her. The choices she made were incomprehensible to me but did make the story more interesting. Jake’s ability to finally figure out the missing person angle of the story, the tie-in to the mafia and Kyra and the reappearance of Mia all were tied together by the end of the book.

Did I enjoy the book? It was entertaining
Would I read more in this series? Probably not
Why not? I couldn’t really relate to the characters for some reason.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington-Underground for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3 Stars