Where was this book my whole life? If you like mystery books with sapphic romance sprinkled on top, you will not be disappointed. I read this book in one sitting and my jaw dropped at the end. 30/10. So so so good!

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

Detective Constable Kate Wolfe is in disgrace and has been sent for six months to work somewhere else....but in the early hours of the morning she gets a phone call telling her to get to fire scene....

Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor is in charge of her newest member of her team and will be keeping a close eye on kate but as the two work a few incidents they find themselves responding to each others quirky personalities...

have to say i didnt see the twist coming and i have to admit to reading this book late at night to find out what was going to happen next and i wasnt disappointed....

will be keeping an eye out for more of this authors works

I really enjoyed this book, was captivated from start to finish! I will definitely look out for this author again.

This is my first read from Charlotte Mills and I can't wait to read more of her novels in the very near future.

Payback by Charlotte Mills is a standout in the lesfic mystery-romance genre, blending a gripping mystery with a well-developed romance that kept me engaged from start to finish. The chemistry between the main characters, Kate and Helen, is palpable, making their romantic journey believable and compelling. Mills excels at balancing the two genres, ensuring that neither the mystery nor the romance overshadows the other. I loved her descriptive writing style as it honestly felt like I was right there in the thick of this novel.

I really enjoyed the story's multiple mysteries. I was surprised that I wasn't confused at any point, and they added depth and excitement to this novel. There are some unexpected twists that kept me on my toes too. Kate, a detective sergeant punished by being sent to a small town, and Helen, her tough yet humorous boss, partner up to tackle growing cases. Their dynamic is intriguing, with Helen's sense of humor offsetting the drama of their work, while Kate's initial grumpiness due to her situation adds a layer of realism and relatability to her character.

Mills' ability to create compelling characters extends to the secondary cast, enhancing the overall narrative. The book's pacing is excellent, maintaining a steady momentum that ensures readers remain hooked. Payback is a top-notch read for both mystery and romance enthusiasts, and it stands out as one of the best blended novels I've read in quite a while. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys detective stories with a strong romantic subplot.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

The mystery was intriguing, and the relationship between the main characters was sweet. On the other hand, the plot twist at the end was ridiculous and disappointing. It felt like the author didn't know how to tie up the secondary mystery. Overall, it was an enjoyable read, until the end, and I'd read other books by the author.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

I was drawn to Charlotte Mills’s Payback as I wanted romance but a romance story with some bite after enjoying some recent non-romance reads. By and large I got that and yet I felt I couldn’t quite fully connect with the romance aspect. No matter, I decided, as the police procedural plot was set up and playing out quite nicely. And I’m a sucker for the hot-for-the-boss trope.

I’d be giving this 3.5 stars probably, 4 if & when it picked up and I gelled with it more.

And then… Payback drops its payoff! And then I realized a lot of things. I’ll say no more to avoid possible spoilers. Just this: read this, enjoy what it is, and make sure you finish it in a timely manner, and you’ll thank me. Well, Ms. Mills :).

4.5 stars for how well the author flipped a 4-star story into something more.

Thank you to the author, to Ylva Publishing, and to NetGalley for the chance to read this and give my honest opinion.

What a read. Although I am a few years late, so glad I caught up with this one. Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor, excellent at her job, has some personal issues weighing on her. Detective Constable Kate Wolfe, computer wiz, with family issues of her own. When the two meet, it does not go well yet they work well together. I enjoyed the fact that there was more to this story then meets the reader's eye. Which in my opinion is a good thing and makes for an entertaining read. This crime mystery, has Helen and Kate slowly unraveling what is happening. Kate is unorthodox in her methods which has the reader wondering why. There are several twists and turns which makes this read unlike other crime mysteries.

Payback by Charlotte Mills
Rating: 4/5

After a disciplinary setback in London, Detective Constable Kate Wolfe is reassigned to a quiet corner of Cheshire. But her hopes for a fresh start are quickly dashed when reports of her troublemaking reach her new boss, Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor. Helen, a seasoned veteran with a prestigious past, isn't one to tolerate insubordination.

As they delve into a string of arson incidents, a charred body discovery, and the disappearance of an architect, Kate and Helen find themselves grappling not only with the complexities of the case but also with their own growing attraction. Their professional dynamic is further tested when a vehicle is discovered submerged in a quarry lake, setting off a chain of events that will profoundly alter their lives.

I found this mystery/thriller romance to be absolutely captivating. Its unexpected twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end. With multiple mysteries intertwining, there was always something new to unravel.

The dynamic between Kate and Helen is refreshingly unique. While the mystery initially seemed to unfold at a leisurely pace, their lively interactions added a delightful balance. Throughout the novel, there was a lingering curiosity that kept me eagerly turning the pages, eager to see how everything would come together.

The romance between Kate and Helen was a standout feature, which isn't always the case in mystery novels. Their chemistry was palpable, and I enjoyed witnessing their relationship develop. Their genuine connection and how they navigated challenges together added depth to the story and left me thoroughly satisfied.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Ylva Publishing, and the author, Charlotte Mills, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

I truly loved this book! The mystery part and the strong romantic under tone was just perfect!
It jumped right into it and didn’t stop until the end.

Engaging police procedural mystery novel set in England. Detective Constable Kate Wolfe is sent to a small town for six months after a discipline hearing in London. Her first day on the job starts with a dead body and a case of arson. The dead body has ties to an embezzlement case from years ago. And a final case involves an architect who has gone missing.

There is a lot going on and Kate finds herself often paired up with her new boss Detective Chief Inspector Helen Taylor. And the attraction between the pair is sizzling. I like police novels and this has the usual things like talking to family, potential witnesses and hours looking at CCTV. The story starts off a little slow but when it picks up I could not put it down. I like that the two give into their passion early without waiting for a hasty fling at the end. And speaking of ending, I did not see it coming. This was originally released February 2019 and I appreciate receiving a copy from Ylva Publishing to read and review. (4.5 Stars)

This book jumped right into a scene of crime set in a small town, gripping from the very start and didn’t stop. As the story unfolds, the mystery deepens with each new crime and investigation. You'll find yourself constantly questioning motives and connections between the characters. The plot twists kept me guessing until the end, which was a refreshing change from predictable reads. The dynamic between the main characters, Kate and Helen, is a highlight, with their playful banter adding a fun element to the story. But don't be fooled, amidst the banter, there's a serious romantic undertone that keeps you engaged. The closing chapters are where the author truly shines, delivering a jaw-dropping revelation that I NEVER saw coming. The level of mystery and suspense is top-notch, leaving me shocked and thoroughly satisfied with the ending.

DC Kate Wolfe has been transferred to a small town to live down a work incident. Her new boss, DCI Helen Taylor, immediately puts her on the job investigating a arson homicide.

As they investigate the case, Kate and Helen grow closer, but the case is complicated and their dating could be a issue.

Then they crack the case... and everything changes.

Good read, interesting murder mystery. The puzzle is interesting, makes sense and is entertaining.

The final plot twist.... uh., honestly I don't think it makes sense, for reasons that would be a spoiler.

3 1/2 stars, due to that last bit

Stunning opening chapter reeled me in!
There's a whole lot of crime happening in the town where the story takes place! From the opening chapter, the intrigue is steadily dialed up as the various crimes and concomitant criminal investigations are undertaken and questions arise about motive, possible connections between the crimes, and of course who the perpetrators are. The story kept me guessing until the end and had enough twists to keep me in the dark for long periods of time; it's a refreshing read when the reader is surprised so frequently while reading a story.
Main characters Kate and Helen have a country mouse/city mouse dynamic from their first meeting that's fun to read as their relationship develops from there into one that is both amusing and highly sensual; readers who enjoy women in positions of power will find the ones here satisfying to follow thru the story and to witness their interactions. There are plenty of sex scenes but absent was any conversation around safe sex before or afterwards.
(Reviewed February 8, 2019)
The crimes and characters/suspects at one point were a challenge to keep track of in my mind; that and not knowing if there was any connection between the crimes added to the levels of mystery and unknowns in the story, kept me engaged and on the lookout for clues and red herrings. The ending fell a bit short compared to the rest of the book but overall it's a great story worth reading for the excellent storytelling and editing.
The author clearly knows how to spin an 'edge of your seat' kind of story and romance simultaneously. I hope they write and publish more stories in the future.

Great romance mystery. A fast-paced read, intriguing plot, well-written and plenty of twists. Couldn’t put it down, enjoyable from start to finish.
This is my first novel by the author and I am looking forward to reading another.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.