Arresting Developments by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Description:
A mysterious beauty had nursed him back to health—and attracted the attention of some very bad men… 

Somewhere over the Everglades, the airplane’s engine failed and Dex Lassiter plummeted into the swamp’s murky depths. Amber Callahan didn’t expect to find any survivors in the wreckage, but Dex was about as tough as they came. And too smart not to dig into why a woman like her had run away to settle in remote Mystic Glades. Or why a killer circled their every move. As floodwaters rose, deputizing Dex was just what this lawless small town needed. Because escape wasn’t possible. And the only thing Dex did better than starting things was defending them.

Review:

A mysterious mist engulfed the Cessna Dex was flying, killing the engine, and causing it to nosedive into a tree. Yup, we’re back in the Everglades, where the incredulous mingles with reality. We met Dex in book 1 of Lena Diaz’s Marshland Justice Series (available here) and to say I was interested is an understatement. Arresting Developments features navy pilot turned millionaire mogul, Dex Lassiter, and Amber Callahan, former healer turn hideout. When their paths cross, secrets are exposed and murder is rampant. It’s hard enough for two opposites to find common ground, but when Dex and Amber lower their guards and glimpse a better, stronger future together…what can’t they survive? Lena Diaz will keep you on edge, looking over your shoulder, in this short, sexy, dangerous story.

Most of the engine was intact. Only a few parts had been ripped away or crushed on impact. Everything looked normal.

Except for the electrical tape…

Since electric tape wasn’t standard equipment in any engine compartment, especially a brand-new plane, he could only reach one logical conclusion.

Someone had tried to kill him.

Amber doesn’t want to get involved (she’s already implicated in something enormous), but when a plane goes down, in the perilous Glades, her good heart is prompted into immediate action. In and out; drop off the city boy in town with no one the wiser. But upon arrival, Dex gets her heart pumping! This charming man can’t keep the flirtations to a minimum despite sepsis poisoning his body (and why can’t Amber stop blushing and enjoying every overture?) Because Lena Diaz wrote one hell of a leading man! That interest I referred to earlier? Far too mild a noun now that he’s developed. I loved the chemistry and temptation; the desire to give in to those impulses without regret (or too much at least, lol!)

Before you know it, Amber’s past is revealed (in parts) and it weighs as heavily as the threat (and guilt) burdening Dex. Attraction aside, Amber and Dex should run and hide back to their respective holes — is there a person who asks for more complications? That would be Dex, lol, but it’s only because their connection is so compelling; it urges them to reach for more: For Amber to stop running and for Dex to right his wrongs.

Am I sharing too many feelings instead of plot lines? This review flowed because Arresting Developments was such a forward, fast-paced read. Ms. Diaz addresses Amber’s questionable past, but she shifts center stage to make room for Dex’s arc; where his vulnerabilities are exposed, mucking up his share of the Mystic Glades waters.

Who knew crisis could forge such an unexpected kinship? Amber and Dex dig deep to offer the best of themselves and no one deserves a happier HEA! I have been inhaling this Marshland series and look forward to the third installation…and the inevitable conclusion. Get on this, my friends!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author