Red on the River by Christine Feehan is the second novel in Sunrise Lake romantic suspense series. Each of the stories takes place in a small-town in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Each book features one couple in a close-knit group of friends with suspenseful elements that will have your heart racing.
by Christine Feehan
Series: Sunrise Lake #2
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Library
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Heat Level:
Vienna Mortenson isn’t your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up. Out in the backcountry there’s no time for hesitation when lives are on the line. Vienna prides herself on being tough and decisive. She’s not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance.
Zale Vizzini’s job constantly puts him in harm’s way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn’t exactly a recipe for a stable relationship. Despite the challenges and the risks, Zale wants something real with Vienna. He just needed time to figure out how to be in her life without putting her in danger. Now, he’s determined to win her back, and he’s ready to lay all his cards on the table.
As their friends’ wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna’s heart. But there are more deadly forces waiting to strike in the rugged terrain of Nevada and the western Sierras. Soon both of their lives are threatened, and the odds are stacked against them....
I accidentally read Frost and Venom, the fourth and newest book in this series, so naturally, I dove back in and read the previous books. While each book contains one couple, and the author does a marvellous job of sharing backstories etc, I recommend reading them in order. Although reading out of order didn’t affect my overall enjoyment, I was aware of who paired with whom. In Red on the River, we see a scene that also takes place in Frost and Venom from a different perspective.
If you like strong, independent women and overprotective alpha males who admire their woman but also want to keep her safe -you’ll enjoy these books. Red on the River shares Vienna Mortenson and Zale Vizzini’s romance. Vienna is a gambler, and most of her winnings have been online instead of in the spotlight, but an offer to sponsor her entry has her staying at a casino and playing in a high-stakes poker game. Her friends are set to meet her for a girl’s bachelorette weekend of hiking, rafting and more after the event.
The suspenseful aspect of the story was well done with plenty of hold your breath moments. The romance was heated as learned Vienna and Zale spent time together during events in the previous novel. His work keeps him undercover, and that is what he is doing in the casino hotel with his partner.
The romance felt genuine, as did the friendships between the women who lift each other up. The story was addictive, and the pacing had me devouring this one. If you enjoy romantic suspense thrillers, I recommend grabbing Red on the River.
About Christine Feehan
Christine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, with 83 published works in seven different series: Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, Sea Haven Series, Shadow Series, and Torpedo Ink Series. All seven of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Judgment Road, the first book in her newest series, Torpedo Ink, debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary Kirkland
I love her books, I’m a big fan. I read Frost and Venom too. I still need to read this one.