Book Review: Forsaken- Sarah Ballance

Title:  Forsaken

Author: Sarah Ballance 

Publisher/Year: Samhain/2014

Genre: Mystery, Romance, Suspense

Format: Mobi, Free from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Juicy Stuff:

Her past is back to haunt her and this time, it s got a gun.When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot to death on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage's ex-lover, Riley Beckett. The only gun in town that fires a bullet of that caliber belongs to her.Certain the shooting is payback for his part in the loss of her parents, he abandons his promise to stay out of her life and confronts her, his rage backed up with a revolver. Yet when she steps through the door, all thoughts of revenge burn to ashes.A year after Riley unwillingly walked away from Gage, she enters her home to find him sitting in the dark, gun pointed at her head. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes reminds her how wrong she was to let him go. But now there's more standing between them than their heated past.A twist of fate and a hail of sniper bullets puts them in the cross hairs of a killer, leaving Riley with just two slim options: trust her greatest betrayer, or face a murderer alone.This book has been previously published.Warning: Prepare to get caught in a crossfire of profanity, danger, and desire. Intense violence may trigger the desire to wear body armor and take it off. Very, very slowly

How It Made Me Feel:

From the prologue to the last page of the book, I was in, hook, line and sinker.  I was drawn in with the action, suspense, and the characters and I was not disappointed.  The story starts out with an unnamed character staring down the barrel of his gun and it leaves you wondering what is going on.  No worries, the explanation isn't far behind.  Riley and Gage set off on a fear based run, set on discovering the truth for why Gage's brother was shot.  It was a fast paced book and an easy read, but it kept my attention from the beginning to the end.  I really enjoyed how the characters were developed and the supporting characters added to the story. There were parts of the book I knew were coming, but I was a bit blindsided towards the end.  It kept me guessing and I was able to easily continuing reading. There was an equal mix of action, suspense, romance, and mystery that kept me wanting more.  

What I Thought Worked:

I greatly enjoyed the supporting character of Maverick, Gage's boss.  I wasn't sure at first if I was going to like his character, but it didn't take long for his exasperation and short wit to win me over.  Gage did remind me of someone who would cause someone to loose their patience very easily and Maverick handled it amusingly and well.

What I Thought Didn't Work:

I almost wish there had been another 10-15 pages for the book.  I wanted to hear a little bit more about Colt, Riley's brother, and see how his relationships had changed and why.   There wasn't much of a lead up at the beginning of the story, before he was thrust in as a pretty major character.

Rating

Why It Got That Rating:

Every once in a while, I find a suspense book that starts out great and then begins to drag.  It wasn't the case with Forsaken.  It was fast paced, easy to follow, and entertaining.  I enjoyed reading it and know I will be reading it again as well as recommending it.

Who Would I Recommend To:

I would recommend to someone who is looking for a quick read with a touch of romance and suspense.  

Last Impressions/Remarks:

At 153 pages, Forsaken offers a brief respite from the everyday world, taking a step into dodging bullets, stealing cars, and coming clean about your past.  A great read.