Jianna Ricci, a senior girl in high school with a bright future, had entered The Mohave Bank of Nevada on a December day, but twenty-one-year-old Penny Sparks with uncertain days ahead was the woman who exited through the glass and chrome door.
Brenda Whiteside
the Power of Love and Murder
Format:
Audible.
Publisher’s Synopsis:
For thirteen years, Penny Sparks has managed to hide from the political powers who murdered her family. When she unwittingly exposes her true identity, not only is she marked for death, but the people closest to her risk meeting the same fate.
Jake Winters is out of rehab and coming to grips with his demons. When he meets his sister’s roommate, Jake believes Penny might be that someone who can help him find life after rock star status…until her secrets blow up his world.
With a government agent turned hit man closing in on her, Penny and Jake race to expose the presidential contender behind the murders of her family. Even if they win the race with death, the murder that stands between them could end their hope for a new life.
Point of view:
3rd Person. Alternating perspectives, not always by chapter, but it’s clearly defined. The majority of the book is either from Jake or Penny’s perspective. There are several scenes from from secondary characters.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
This is the 4th book in Brenda Whiteside’s Love and Murder series. Fans of the series will get a few minor updates from characters in Book 1 & Book 3, but even those who haven’t read/listened to previous books in the series can fully enjoy Jake & Penny’s story.
The Power of Love and Murder is an enjoyable small town romantic suspense with a dash of political malevolence. This book definitely has more emphasis on the relationship of our main couple than on the suspense. Chapters from the protagonist’s POV and Jake picking up that Penny is not exactly as he thought make sure that there is a continuous air of mystery/anticipation. One of the things that I love about this series is that the characters are more mature & established in their lives (30s & 40s). Jake & Penny’s struggle to keep the budding relationship going amidst a horrible tragedy was heartbreaking.
I might have preferred a little more of a glimpse into their HEA, but hopefully Jake & Penny will have a cameo in the next book so we see how they’re doing.
Narration:
Holly Holt continues to do a good job narrating the series. She has a wide range of voices to give each of the characters a unique sound.
I received a free copy of this audiobook and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Rellim Reads 