The Cost of Betrayal – Henderson, Pettrey, Eason – Review

A romantic suspense novella collection from three of the top authors in the genre with the theme of betrayal? How could I resist this one?

About the Book

In Dee Henderson’s novella “Betrayal,” Janelle Roberts is freed–thanks to people she doesn’t know–after serving six years of a twenty-year sentence for a murder she did not commit. But a murderer is still at large, and Janelle needs to be somewhere safe with someone she can trust. She may not survive another betrayal.

In Dani Pettrey’s “Deadly Isle,” Tennyson Kent is trapped on the isolated island of her childhood by a storm surge, and she is shocked when the typically idyllic community turns into the hunting grounds of a murderer. Cut off from any help from the mainland, will she and first love Callen Frost be able to identify and stop a killer bent on betrayal before they become the next victims?

In Lynette Eason’s “Code of Ethics,” trauma surgeon Ruthie St. John saves the life of Detective Isaac Martinez. After a betrayal leads to him getting shot and then attacked while in recovery, Isaac is now a key witness determined to testify. But someone is intent on silencing him–and those around him–forever. Together, Ruthie and Isaac go on the run, desperate to escape the killers hunting him.

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In My Opinion…

Each novella in this collection has different levels of suspense and romance, so I’m breaking them down for you.

Betrayed by Dee Henderson

Much of this story is a running conversation between Ann and Paul Falcon as they hash out possibilities and theories of a murder. Two-thirds of the way through, Janelle Roberts—a woman who has spent the last six years in prison—gets a full pardon and makes her colorist appearance. I felt like this was more procedural (and very talkie instead of action) than suspense or romance. And while I appreciated Greg’s POV as Janelle settles into a new life, I missed getting into Janelle’s head at least once.

Deadly Isle by Dani Pettrey

This is Pettrey’s first stand-alone story is as captivating as her full series. As Tenny and Callen track down a killer and unravel motive in the midst of a storm pounding their island, the stakes are high, the action intense, and the romance engaging. Pettrey keeps you guessing at the villain until the very end.

Code of Ethics by Lynette Eason

While Ruthie St. John hasn’t followed the rest of her siblings into law enforcement, she has learned plenty from them and their mother (the chief of police). When Isaac Martinez is attacked after Ruthie operates in him, the two go on the run. Danger lurks around every corner as these two try to stay ahead of the people with enough connections to thwart their investigation. As with the other Blue Justice books, the St. John siblings band together until justice is served (and Ruthie gets her man).

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.