Reading romantic suspense is normally a much needed escape from reality. I was enjoying the story, and characters, until the politics crept in and slapped me in the face. I guess there really is no escaping it. So for now I will put this one down, unfinished.

When Maddie accepts a job to study some old bones to determine there origins. The owner of the house gives her the creeps. She calls her best friend for a favor. Josh has just moved to the area to be with his niece, and open a new Raptor when he gets a call to check on his bosses wife’s best friend and pretend to be her boyfriend. When meeting sparks fly! Not everything is as it seems!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

Another wonderful story from Rachel Grant. She just does not miss with her writing. Tautly woven suspense, likable characters (even if they do fall into bed a little too fast), what more can a person want? Even better, this is not one of those quick read novels that is over in 90 minutes. This requires all of the reader’s attention. I give this a solid 4 stars. Read it and like it...it is great fiction.

I can always count on Rachel Grant for a thrilling blend of action, romance and mystery immersed in detailed worlds that feel relevant and well researched. There's a lot going on and readers looking to escape our current reality won't do it here. But I won't fault an author for bringing current events into her creation, that's kind of the point, no?

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

❤️❤️❤️❤️ out of 5
This was my first Rachel Grant book and I can definitely say it won’t be my last! It was lengthy which gave the opportunity for a deep dive into Native American repatriation as well as a deep dive into racism and being an ally- none of which I was expecting in a romantic suspense but I was totally here for!

Our heroine is in charge of cataloguing Native American bones that was part of a private museum with the potential for them to be repatriated back to the culture they were stolen from. On her first day she is totally creeped out by the owner of the museum and calls a friend to get a fake boyfriend to show up to scare him away. In enters our hero who works for a private security firm. As soon as he sees her he wants to be more than just her fake boyfriend and sparks fly.

This book not only has a great romance, fleshed out main and secondary characters who feel real but also a suspense plot that keeps you coming back for more. This book makes no apologies for its views especially in regards to racism and I found it very appropriate for what is happening in the world today. This book is a definite recommendation from me!

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This mystery thriller had the recipe for a perfect romance with a creepy graveyard villain, historical bones to rescue and a hot ex Navy seal bodyguard. And yet it failed to deliver. Madeline and Josh are a compatible pair of professionals but they rush into a sexual relationship right from the get go. My pet peeves. Just couldn't get into the rest of the story with such lackluster protagonist.

This is a very entertaining book with lots of action and intrigue. Maddie Foster has been trying to create an inventory on some human remains, this can be even a more difficult task if you have a security guard who keeps watching you. Maddie was terrified of being trapped in a crypt with such a strange guy, for this reason, she gets in contact with a friend so he can get her out of there. On the other hand, Josh Warner has recently moved to Oregon to be near his beloved niece and become her guardian. One of his passions is museology, however, he fears that his niece might be in terrible danger, he must do what he must to protect her. A very entertaining book, with lots of action and mysteries in which Maddie is involved. The whole book was very interesting to me, Maddie is a nice and charming girl. I definitely want to keep reading Rachel Grant's books, I had an amazing time. I thank NetGalley and Janus Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Tainted Evidence by Rachel Grant is the tenth book in her “Evidence” series. The novel follows the growing relationship and attraction between Maddie and Josh. As Maddie works to uncover secrets—Josh fights to protect her from unknown sources seeking to cause her harm. Rachel Grant always delivers the most engaging, heart-pumping romantic suspense novels and this book is no exception. The character development, building suspense, and plot execution were spot on. Tainted Evidence is an excellent addition to her well-established series.

You know you’ve just finished a really good suspense when your heart's still pounding and you need to sit back in your chair!

Maddie Foster is a museologist tasked with inventorying human bones stored in the basement crypt of a private museum. When the museum’s owner gives off a vibe that creeps her out, Maddie calls her friend Trina - whose husband is CEO of Raptor, a private security and military training company - and asks for some help. Raptor operative Josh Warner then shows up and pretends to be Maddie’s boyfriend.

Josh has been with Raptor for several years but recently relocated to Portland to raise his 17 year old niece, Ava. He’s also been tasked with opening a West Coast office for Raptor and making it profitable. Between Ava and his job, Josh has a lot of plates he’s trying to keep spinning.

As Josh and Maddie spend more time together, it becomes apparent there are some powerful people who don’t want Maddie to complete her job and keeping her safe becomes more than just a job for Josh.

There was SO MUCH going on in this story and I was kept guessing the whole time. I LOVED the suspense storyline in this book. But I really enjoyed the romance part as well. Josh and Maddie had actual obstacles in their way, and I loved how Maddie never overreacted, yet still demanded Josh treat her right. Josh had the weight of the world on his shoulders and truly wanted to do the right thing for all the people in his life...even if he did get it wrong once or twice. I love a man who knows he messed up and isn’t afraid to apologize!

Yet...my feelings about this book are all over the place. On one hand, I love romantic suspense and author Rachel Grant is one of my faves. She has the perfect balance of romance AND suspense that I look for - a well developed relationship between the hero and heroine AND a heart pounding, action-packed story that keeps me on the edge of my seat. This was a thoroughly satisfying read.

But on the other hand...Ms. Grant made this a very socially relevant story hitting many of the current hot-topic issues. I usually have no problem with that…but right now it’s very difficult to not feel like the country is heading to hell in a handbasket. I read for pleasure - to escape all the real-world crap that is inundating what seems like every aspect of life. I don’t want to feel like I’m getting preached at in the single place I go for a reprieve. Even though all the subjects are dealt with well, if often felt heavy-handed and was too much for this reader right now. Had I read this book six months ago, I’m sure I would have felt completely different.

This is book 10 in the Evidence series, and I came late to this party. So I’m really glad whenever I get a craving for a good romantic suspense, I’ve got about 5 books in this series to reach for. But I’ll also be here for all the new releases, too!

* thank you to NetGalley and Junus Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Rachel Grant decided to give readers a chance to find themselves as the female lead in all her books and this one is no exception. She used the modern day political environment bring in a female who is Bi sexual. I can see this causing some reader to have issues but really books are to be about the world we create and the world we create is part of the world we live in.

Rachel Grand has made her political side very well known in the story which could leave some readers pushing the book aside. If we do not see or read all views than we can not grow as a people.



The story will remind readers of why they love Rachel Grant stories. I wish there was less lets have sex and more story of the reason Maddie Foster is cataloging bones of people who have died long ago.

The history that is being used in this story isn't something new which makes me sad as a history nut.

Rachel Grant bring history to life but she falls flat creating a better balance of story to romance in this story.



This story could be seen in the headlines today which makes it hard to read at time expect for the good guys win and the bad guys lose.

Thank you to Netrgalley and the publisher for the advance copy of Rachel Grant Tainted Evidence.

This story was ok. I found myself in and out of engagement with the story. I think it has to do with the racial content of the story. Right now, with everything going on in the US it feels like more of the same unrest. As usual this is very well written, and the characters are amazing. I think if this had been released any other time I would love it.

Another great one! This installment was packed with action and romance. The ending was non-stop, and I just adored the epilogue! Maddie and Josh are great together, and I liked their dynamic and chemistry. Ava was also a fun addition to the story with her sass. This book also contains a lot of timely social topics, and I thought the author handled them very well. The museumology/archeology/bones portion of this one felt just a tough lighter than previous installments, but it was still great. Looking forward to the next one!

*I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

A big thank you to NetGalley and Janis Publishing for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. I am an archaeologist so form that perspective I really enjoyed the book. It was also sort of scary that this could happen, and is happening today. Racism is real unfortunately. I thought there was to much drama in the book. I can't believe I'm saying that. Madeline is bisexual. Josh was in love with his best friends wife, who Maddie was also in love wth. Then there is family drama and the racism element. If you are looking for a simple romance this isn't it. 3 stars

Tainted Evidence is well into Rachel Grant’s Evidence Series as book number ten. It has all the thrills, tough and complex characters and intriguing plots as the previous books in the series. The Raptor Security operatives have taken over with Josh Warner moving to Oregon to open a new office and become a guardian of his teenage niece. It’s not long before he is a pretend boyfriend to Maddie Foster.

What should have been a normal case of inventorying old human remains turns into a dangerous and suspenseful story that could be taken from current events. The plot is tightly structured with unforeseen complications which twists and turn in the story keeping it unpredictable while hold your complete attention. I had no idea that the study of bones could be so interesting but did think that they could become political. The science is fascinating and the romance is appealing.

If you are a fan of Pamela Clare, Katie Reus’ contemporary romance or Kaylea Cross then Rachel Grant’s Evidence Series is a must read for you. Reader who enjoy a thrilling well-written romantic suspense will love her stories.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is TOTALLY a book we all need to read right now. It is a great romantic suspense story and an awesome example of how we can all learn to be antirascists. I'll admit that I haven't read all the other books in the Raptor series - but I probably should go back and read them! There wasn't a need to have read them to understand what was happening here or to enjoy the story.

Josh has moved to Portland to start a new Raptor office - largely because he has custody of his teenage niece. His niece has been abused by her father - mentally and physically. Her mother committed suicide - and she is now in the care of her uncle Josh because her father is in jail. Josh is very focused on Ava's well-being and is trying to do right by her.

Maddie has a fascinating job that focuses in on protecting and cataloging ancient remains and funerary objects that were taken from their rightful resting places. She is working on a job involving a lot of native american remains - and one of the family members is watching over her while she does her job in a very creepy and threatening way . She calls her friend Trina (who is married to Raptor's CEO) for help - and in walks Josh.

Josh and Maddie are a great fit for each other - and I really liked watching them fall in love. But overall - my very favorite thing about this book was clear portrayal of the white supremacists and the work Josh was doing to support the counterprotestors. It was all so timely. I also loved the diversity in the book - Maddie is bisexual and Josh is jewish. They work actively with the black community in Portland and there is a character who is a trans. The whole book just came at the right time with the right storyline.

Loved it! The only thing that kept it from being a five star read for me was how tough Maddie was on Josh. I was proud of her for valuing herself so much. She did deserve better than the way Josh treated her. But I think she took a little too long being right instead of being loved.

Overall - awesome read!

I received this book as as ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Maddie is a friend and colleague of Trina. She has been given the assignment to identify and inventory a morbid collection of human remains from a private museum. The guy in charge is an absolute charmer - NOT. He gives off a very arsy, white-is-right-vibe and Maddie does not feel safe with him. She puts out an SOS to Trina and before she knows it her knight appears!

Josh leapt at the chance to grow Raptor in the Pacific Northwest. He kept his job and managed to move across the country to look after his teenage nice after his dip^%*& of a brother lands himself in jail. A quick friendy check on Trina's friend should be a breeze. But what starts as a fake boyfriend assignment turns into a bonafide bodyguard assignment when someone takes too much interest in Maddie and her work.

This story could not be more timely. White Supremacists, racial profiling, theft of tribal artefacts, reprehensible folk with too much money and not enough humanity. Ms Grant must have had her crystal ball tuned! More than enough strands to keep you busy. The love story is very strained as both have a reason not to get involved but I loved their solution!

An amazing series and well worth a read!

Rachel Grant always delivers a story that is well researched, creative and character driven. Tainted Evidence is a fascinating read and fans of romantic suspense will not be disappointed. This is not a fluffy romance so your going to want to settle in and leave yourself plenty of "me" time to read it. The book touches on white supremacy, mental health and human sexuality. From the very first page I was totally hooked.

My first time reading Rachel Grant and I am so thrilled to see my high expectations were warranted. This is part of a larger series but can be read as a standalone.
The story begins with Maddie, a museologist, researching human remains at a wealthy mansion whose owner is her giving her the creeps which propels her to ask Josh, security specialist and ex-Navy SEAL, to be her pretend boyfriend/bodyguard. Think that’s the only story line, um you have no idea what Grant has in store in this action packed novel. Not only do the characters have to juggle their personal drama but they have to handle white patriot riots, their plan to take over political power in Oregon and how it all ties into Maddie’s research.
There’s a lot of moving plot points in this but the reader never feels lost or tangled up in the multiple plot lines. It took a bit for me to get into the plot, due to pacing I think, but once the action picked up and the puzzle pieces started connecting I was hooked. The plot was thoroughly thought out and plenty of research was conducted to make the riots and museology believable. At times I felt I could have been reading a Karen Rose novel!
The characters here were great. I especially loved Maddie. She knew who she was and what she stood for. She stood up for herself when Josh wronged her. I am so happy she made him grovel and figure out what he wanted (most romances don’t have enough of this in my opinion). Josh is perhaps one of the most internally conflicted heroes I’ve read in a while. He struggles with a lot of personal drama but this helps the reader understand him. I would have liked to see some of the phone conversations the couple has daily considering they referenced them so much. I felt I was left out of part of their courtship/romance. Besides this nit-pick, I think Maddie and Josh were incredibly sweet and I enjoyed their romance. Their HEA was definitely earned!
If you are a fan of romantic suspense, as I am, or just want to try a new Indie author give Tainted Evidence a try.
Note: Grant also touches upon our current social/political movement of Black Life Matters. I think this portion of the novel was written with great care and consideration.

I typically really Enjoy Rachel Grant's books.they are filled with interesting tidbits about history and different places that I've never been. But I wasnt a huge fan of this book. The bisexual character who used to be in love with her best friend. The guy that was in love with his best friends wife, just no.

A Spectacular Suspense Romance .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy through Netgalley of Tainted Evidence . I found this story outstanding a sensational . It is so inspiring in these times of unrest . I found this story suspenseful , action packed . It really keeps your full attention .
It's definitely heart wrenching and very emotional . I really enjoyed reading it .
I think it's more than five star read . The story is well written with fantastic characters .an intense, pulse pounding romance . I highly recommend taking the time to read . Hats off to Rachel Grant .