SYNOPSIS:
Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents’ latest scam. Now she’s much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for – Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie’s counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she’s not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie’s plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn’t dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it’s one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.
I wish I could do justice to this book but I am not eloquent enough. This is a stunning story that will break your heart, thrill you and leave you wanting much, much more.
It is difficult to write a review of this book without giving away any of the major plot twists. Karina Halle is a very gifted storyteller with an incredibly sensitive voice. I stayed up very, very late to finish this book. I could not wait to see what path Ellie and Camden would take. And oh yeah, there is some very graphic and steamy sex.
It is very gratifying to find an author who can surprise and thrill with such a great story.
There is a very satisfying cliffhanger (you’ll see what I mean!) and thankfully more books planned in this series. A prequel novella, On Every Street, is coming on March 12th, featuring the “torrid love story” of Ellie and Javier. Shooting Scars (TAT #2) is coming May 13th, 2013
Follow Ms. Halle on Twitter @metalblonde
www.experimentinterror.com