Reviewed by Tidal

TITLE: Rainey’s Release

SERIES: Kansas City Heat Book #6

AUTHOR: Jenna Byrnes

PUBLISHER: Totally Bound Publishing 

LENGTH: 108 pages

BLURB:

A madman targets gay drug addicts. Can the KCPD track down the latest serial killer before more blood is shed?

Detective William Rainey is the newest man assigned to the KCPD’s Homicide Division, having just relocated from St. Louis with his life partner, Joshua Wolf. When a murder with the same MO as several St. Louis crimes takes place, the similarities are hard to ignore. The investigation turns personal and soon hits close to home. A suspect comes to light and Will finds himself in a battle to solve the most important case of his life. Enlisting the help of Detectives James Dixon and Nick Peyton is tricky when the men don’t feel like they know him yet. Can he earn their trust before it’s too late?

REVIEW:

This is the latest instalment in the Kansas City Heat series. I must admit this is my first book I have read in the series. This is an exciting book. I plan to read the rest of this series. Rainey’s Release was not a disappointment; I was concerned that since it was so far into a series that I may be missing a lot of background and I would not get the full benefit of a stand-alone book but that was not the case.

William Rainey is a new on the KCPD Division. Rainey is concerned how he will be received when his partners on the force find out that he is gay. He does not outright lie but he is not so open about it. Someone is targeting drug addicts in the area and things move quickly. Bonds are established, important opportunities are seized, and some are missed calling into question trust in loyalty in many areas.

I like Rainey and Joshua as a couple. They compliment each other nicely. Both are independent whole people. They are not “dudes in distress” or in need of someone to be whole. Coming together they make a great team. The upside of this is that the great times are wonderful but the bad times are dealt with head on and not swept under the rug, they do have the difficult conversations. I love the dynamics in their relationship.

Individually I really like Joshua Wolf. He is honest, vulnerable and has such integrity. He is not perfect but the way he lives his life is so attractive; he is the kind of guy you can see yourself being friends with him and sharing confidences. He has swag and I like how he carries himself. Joshua Wolf is not a victim and his value comes from how he lives not from one heroic effort or action. I find him refreshing.

Stress of the murders strains the relationship between Rainey and his partner Joshua Wolf. Issues not of sexual orientation but of trust and loyalty strain professional relationships between Detectives Dixon, Peyton, and Rainey. The case wraps up easily— easily. Enough to raise the suspicions of the seasoned KCPD detectives. They aim to get to the bottom of it but can they solve it in time.

I like the characters in this book they ring true right away and the action provides just the right amount of tension and the story never got boring. I really like this book and the reasons are strong characters, a good story, and the end was not what I expected. Even though I hated to see the story I was left totally satisfied.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Totally Bound

Amazon