This was another great installment in Karen Rose's San Diego Case Files series. I enjoyed the storyline with it taking place in an assisted living facility for senior citizens. I also enjoyed the growing relationship between Kit and Dr. Sam.

Here’s the thing:

There are too many books and not enough time in the world. My ADD is outrageous, and if you can’t grip me in 2 chapters, I will lose the plot I fear. Now here we are still waiting for a review. Well, here is what I have right now. Even if I were to “choose not to review” it counts that ratio so let’s chat about it.

This was sadly a DNF for me. I could never get into the story. I’ve read others in the series but this one just lost my interest and couldn’t get back into it.

Is it too good cop bad cop? No. Did I dare dream of how book 1 was? Possibly. If I return I will provide additional updates and thoughts.

This was good. Not my favorite book ever but I really enjoyed it. Definitely would recommend but def not my fave read.

So, I have been hesitant to pick up another Karen Rose romantic suspense because they are so long. Some books are long but feel short; Cheater was long and felt never ending. I liked the plot-I'm always up for a mystery, but the romance was...lacking. Its such a slow burn that they make almost no progress in the relationship in the whole 450 page book. I've never been a fan of the slow burn, and this was just slower than any book I've ever read.
3 stars because the plot was good but the romance was bad.

I just don't know where I stand with this book. I keep going back and forth with my feelings on it. On one hand, I really enjoyed it. On the other, it was just okay. I guess I would say I'm somewhere in the middle of the two.

I enjoyed the first one in this series. This one I found a little harder to get into. It was a slower pace that Rose's last handful of books. It wasn't a slow burn, it was just slower in general.

I love Kit. I love Sam. I want to love Kit and Sam together. Then throw in the mystery, and we should have a winner. This book needed a little something more to have me completely hooked.

Cheater by Karen Rose is a captivating & intriguing mystery full of twists & turns with just a tiny dash of romance to entertain even more.

This is book #2 in the San Diego Case Files series, but it could be read as a standalone. Although I think this would be more enjoyed if you’re read the first book in this case filed series as well.

Cheater is great for fans of…
💜 Mystery
💜 Dash of Romance
💜 Twists & Turns

Karen Rose can write a fantastic mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. My only complaint is that I wish this had more romance in it. However, I can see the romance heating up as the series continues so I am excited to keep reading.

If you are looking for your next romantic suspense that is heavy on the mystery, I recommend checking out Karen Rose & The San Diego Case Files series.

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Berkley Publishing for the gifted copy, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

Murder in a retirement community. Kit and Sam are back, and still need one another to solve a case. Kit is the detective investigating the case. Sam is a volunteer at the retirement community, and a criminal psychologist.

Cheater is the 29th book in the Romantic Suspense series by Karen Rose. It is the second book in the San Diego case files series. Kit and Sam were introduced in the first book, Cold Blooded Liar. While Cheater can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Cold Blooded Liar first.

Well-developed characters in a fast paced and intriguing story. Cheater is a suspenseful and entertaining thriller.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I usually LOVE anything by Karen Rose, but I was disappointed in this specific work. This is the second book in the series, but I felt like there wasn’t a lot of character growth from the first story and the characters spend a lot of time not communicating. I did enjoy the mystery itself, I just had hoped for more character growth before the last chapter of the book.

After devouring Cold-Blooded Liar last year where Kit and Sam are introduced, I was eager to see what came next for them and what new case with a gritty, intense tone would be introduced. Karen Rose has long since become one of my top go-to authors for the thriller romance and police procedural genres.

Cheater is the second installment of the San Diego Case Files and part of the greater over-arcing Romantic Suspense series. Now, I did read the first book, but I felt the way Cheater was written with plenty of explanation for what happened previously (of the non-spoilery kind) that it could easily be picked up as a standalone.

As I stated in my opening thoughts, I go to Karen Rose books for a gritty suspenseful police procedural with some sizzling romancing on the side. I noticed in Cold-Blooded Liar that there was some deviation from all that. Oh sure, it was a riveting suspense, but the romance was more a hint than actuality. And, that didn’t move further along in Cheater nor did the case get as dark and gritty as the author’s norm. All that to say, the San Diego Case Files are a bit of something different so expectations must be altered if one is to enjoy it.

The murder at a high-end nursing home several months after the Cold-Blooded Liar case brings Kit and her partner detecting into Dr. Sam’s sphere once again. He works and volunteers with the elderly now. Kit and Sam are uncomfortable around each other because Kit is denying her feelings still, and Sam isn’t sure what do with his feelings in the mean time. after the last book, I really didn’t want a long book full of Kit’s emotional stagnation and her issues because she was a foster kid (no, I’m not being insensitive – Kit is being overly sensitive, or rather fearful with little reason by pushing Sam away, and it bugs me).

Most of the book put the romance off to the side and focused on the case. I really enjoy how much Karen Rose puts into making the police procedural side and the law enforcement world really come alive and feel authentic even while the plot paces forward without the need for info dumps. It’s all so organic and I can follow along with the investigation team as if I were there. That said, for the first time, I did feel the page count at times and was impatient for things to get going (there are moments of going over the same ground) and the early part of the book rehashed more than necessary with what came before.

But, for all that, I was into getting to end with all the puzzle pieces in place to show the whole picture. Perhaps because this was about the vulnerable elderly, I did feel outrage at them being the victims and being victimized. Kit was a fab detective, and I enjoyed seeing her work one end while Sam used his inside track to help on the case from a different angle. This wrapped up strong and felt complete with some series plot threads regarding Sam’s foster sister’s cold case and the relationship left for the next installment.

In summary, I was glad to have read this one, but wouldn’t recommend it as a book for first-timers to Karen Rose. The series is loaded with a good balance of romantic suspense, but Cheater is definitely a middle of a series book with mostly suspense. Instead reach for the first in the overall series or for the first of the San Diego Case Files.

DNF at 30%.

Boring. Boring. Boring.

I don't know what happened. I really enjoyed the first book. I was so excited to see where Rose was going to take Kit and Sam. Now I'm left so disappointed at how lifeless this book felt, compared to Cold Blooded Liar. Absolutely no chemistry, at least not from what I experienced. And from what I can tell from skimming and other reviews, this doesn't change.

If I'm being straight, this didn't even feel like a Karen Rose book.

1 Star because I have no choice but to rate on here.

This is my first time reading a Karen Rose book, I swear it was so good.

I couldn't put this down. It was a wild ride of thrills and surprises that had me glued to the pages.

In the end, I found this story to be a captivating and thrilling rollercoaster ride with dynamic characters that had me hooked from start to finish.. I can't wait to dive into the next installment and see where the story leads, and I really want to read her other books.

Thank you to Berkeley and the author for allowing me to arc read this book in exchange for my honest review

Ms. Rose has never failed to captivate me with a story, and this book is no different. Previously introduced to Kit McKittrick and Sam Reeves in Cold Blooded Liar we now get to learn even more about them in this second installment of the San Diego series. I really enjoyed them as characters and seeing how they worked together, even while avoiding one another. They kept the book really fun I thought, and gave a nice little break in between murder, thievery, and suspense.

Speaking of murder, as always I loved the mystery and trying to figure out the whodunit. I can honestly say I was surprised by a few turn of events that happened in this book and I enjoyed those moments so much. I'm excited to get another mystery from Ms. Rose and even more so to see Sam and Kit together again.

Karen Rose was a new-to-me author with Quarter to Midnight, and after reading that book, I wondered what rock I’d been living under to have missed her books. As a die-hard romantic suspense junkie, it was right up my alley and left me wanting more from her. So, it’s no surprise I dove headlong into this brand-new series from a new favorite author. This book is not technically a standalone title, picking up on the relationship between Kit and Sam, but if you don’t desire the complexities of their pasts, you can pick up the series with this book and not be too lost. However, I highly recommend Cold Blooded Liar (a five-star read for me).

What I liked about the book: the twisted, intriguing, and intricate plot that kept me guessing far into it, as well as the well-developed characters and world-building. Where Sam seemed to be a weak character at the beginning of the series, he’s everyone’s rock in this book. Despite everything in their pasts, family and friends mean everything to Sam and Kit, and they continue to inspire love and loyalty from those whose lives they touch.

What I didn’t like about this book: um… Yeah, I got nothing here. This book was a read-it-as-fast-as-possible, unputdownable page-turner full of twists and spine-tingling goodness. It left me wanting even more from these characters, so suffice it to say, I am very much looking forward to what comes next.

NICUnurse’s Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I'll be the first to say that while I love all her books, the first one in this series didn't hit quite the same for me as her others. This is Karen Rose's first attempt at a slow burn romance over several books, and I wasn't expecting that in book one, which didn't make me love it as much as usual. This second book though? It hit, for sure.

Kit and Sam end up in each other's orbit once again when she investigates a murder at a retirement village that Sam has very close ties to, and this story? Wow. It was emotional as hell and the characters in this knocked it out of the park. I want a grandma like the ladies in this book. If they could adopt me, that would be great. I laughed out loud several times and am excited for their appearance in future stories.

I enjoyed this so much and I can't wait to see what happens next with Kit and Sam!

I really enjoyed this! I absolutely loved Cold Blooded Liar so this was a great part 2 to Sam and Kit. Their romance may not be the main focus of the story but I still loved them so much. I can't wait to see what's in store for them in the future. Especially Kit's family.. her parents have to be the sweetest humans in the world. 🥰

In regard to the crimes, I was a bit shocked as to who the culprit was! Of course it all made sense by the end but I was not expecting that at all.

Loved this book - great mystery and it kept me guessing until the end!
I plan to go back and read the 1st in the series to get caught up, and looking forward to the next installment.

One note was the amount of the value of the coins - 14 million was a little over the top. And at that value to have them stored in a nursing home? Definitely too far fetched for an otherwise stellar book.

I loved the tenseness of Kit and Sam's relationship. I love that it wasn't wrapped up neatly at the end of the book - kept you coming back for more. Liked all the characters, and loved the storyline of Frankie's wife and son.

The San Diego Case Files #2
⭐️5

Tropes:
💚 Suspense with Sprinkling of Romance
💚 Police Procedural
💚 Thriller
💚 Dual POV

💭 My thoughts: Detective Kit is called to the scene with her partner Detective Conner to solve the murder of a resident of Shady Oaks Retirement Village. Which just so happens to be where criminal psychologist Dr. Sam; volunteers his time to play the piano for the residents. Sam is who Kit has successfully avoided because she knows she can’t have him. Yet, Sam hasn’t given up hope. He is determined to keep his distance and wait for Kit to show him that she is ready for the support and love he can offer her.
Kit and Conner find out just how corrupt the retirement housing system is in this thriller that seems to have more secrets than residents. Sam is there to lend a hand when needed but when Kit starts to realize that she can’t ignore what her heart wants anymore; would it be too late before the killer strikes again?
I absolutely devoured this novel and loved every second of it! Kit is a rough around the edges cop who hides a heart of gold behind a stern exterior. She is a role model not only to her adoptive family but to rough kids on the streets who are not used to someone caring like she does. Sam knows Kit is afraid and doesn’t want to spook her; so he tries to keep his distance and play it cool; all the while, his feelings for Kit remain steadfast and only grow as the list of suspects slowly starts dwindling. I highly recommend this story to anyone who loves Criminal Minds and strong female leads!

This was written really well, and although I don’t read the first book (regretting that I should have!) I still was able to follow along. Also as a lawyer (and former criminal lawyer) so refreshing to see a procedural more correct thriller !!! I’m excited to read more by her, she’s addicting and love the romance mixed in with thriller

3.5/5 rounded up

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group for the advanced reading copy!

SYNOPSIS -- While Shady Oaks Retirement Village is used to death, it isn't used to finding one of its residents stabbed to death and his room ransacked. Enter: Detective Katherine "Kit" McKittrick. 6 months after solving a high-profile serial killer case, she's motivated and ready to solve something totally different. What she isn't ready for, however, is the appearance of Dr. Sam Reeves, psychologist, volunteer at Shady Oaks and Kit's love interest (much to her dismay). Sam, on the other hand, is excited to work closely to Kit and offer his expertise as both criminal profiler and long time friend of many Shady Oaks residents. Between the two of them and the rest of SDPD, can they solve the case before more of Shady Oak's residents are put into early graves?

This was a great second installment into the San Diego series! A classic police procedural with some action, great supporting characters and a little bit of romance. I love Kit, even though she's so infuriating sometimes! The tension between her and Sam is so fun; I have loved Dr. Reeves from book 1 and I love the way he doesn't pressure Kit in any way. I think their dynamic adds sooo much to these books, and, while I love the mysteries, I also read them for this budding relationship! The elderly characters were so dynamic and added a fun, heartfelt aspect to the story. The foster angle of this book is really unique and sweet, too. The McKittricks are so heartwarming.

My biggest qualm with this book, similar to that with the first in the series, is that they're just TOO LONG. Sometimes it feels like Karen Rose doesn't trust us, as readers, to read between the lines or draw any sort of conclusion for ourselves. Every breath the characters take (okay, that's a little dramatic) is spelled out for us. This book could probably be 25% shorter and have just as dynamic of a story, if not one that is more fast paced. Did I still read the whole thing? Yes. Will I read more of Kit and Sam? Also yes. But I wish these books were parsed down just a bit.

Overall, this was a solid police procedural with a decent mystery, some fun twists and great characters!

*4.5 Stars On My Instagram Account*

"It's okay to feel, Kit."
"No, it's really not. I won't be able to do my job if I feel too much."

But when do you stop feeling everything and cheat yourself out of a life? Homicide Detective Katherine "Kit" McKittrick has had a life of violence and hardship and now she fights for those who can't fight for themselves, in the intensely detailed Cheater by, master of the romance suspense thriller, author Karen Rose.

We first met Kit in book one of The San Diego Case Files series, Cold Blooded Liar (check out my review on that brilliant thriller), now in Cheater it's 6 months after the headline serial killer case. So why hasn't she returned psychologist and police advisor Sam Reeves calls? "Dr.Sam...he liked her...it terrified her."

Kit responds to a shocking murder in a retirement home and is blindsided to see Sam there calming the upset residents. It turns out the victim was a retired decorated cop and all bets are off to find the killer. But then another resident dies suspiciously, employees are missing, vile people are cheating the elderly out of their savings but, worse, there's a killer cheating people out of their lives.

Each chapter starts like a police procedural with place and time but there's so much emotion, action and honest dialogue that it feels personal at times. Though adrenaline fueled, there's still time for family, the cutest gossipy retirees and cuddles with Kit's fur baby Snickerdoodle. Then there's Sam's pooch, Siggy, short for Sigmund Freud, who is the real hero of this awesome thriller.

A quick note to this gifted writer. The ending left me with a smile...perfect! Please don't cheat me out of a full sexy romance for Kit and Sam in Book 3...which I need ASAP!

I received a free copy of this book from the publishers via #NetGalley for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.