Book Review-Lucky Shot by B.J. Daniels

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lucky Shot by B.J. Daniels
Series: The Montana Hamiltons #3
Published by HQN Books on November 24th 2015
Genres: Contemporary Romance, American West
Pages: 368
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
ISBN: 037378855X

He's determined to uncover the truth behind a decades-old disappearance—even if it kills him...
When hotshot reporter Max Malone gets a rare shot of Buckmaster Hamilton with a blonde woman near Beartooth, Montana, he chases down one of the senator's daughters to verify that the woman is his supposedly long-dead first wife. But Kat Hamilton won't give him the time of day, let alone any information about her mother.
With his tousled blond hair, sexy stubble and an old straw cowboy hat topping off his long, lean frame, Kat can just tell Max isn't used to female sources denying him anything. But when her own life is put in jeopardy, it's Max who comes to her rescue. Seems someone is prepared to kill to keep the past in the past. Kat can't deny she needs Max to find out what happened to her mother, but will getting closer and closer to each other lead them to the truth... or to danger?

[divider]

Summary

Max Malone is a respected reporter and he searches for the truth and not rumor. But the latest scandal involving a senator who is gunning for President leads him to Beartooth Montana. He is driven to find the truth behind the Senator’s late wife who has come back from the dead, with no memory of the past 20 years. Buck Hamilton remarried and his second wife became the mother to his six daughters. Buck is out to do the right thing, and knows that he would make a good President that would benefit the country. He is torn between the love he has for both of the women he loves. Buck knows that he will soon have to make a choice, but there is mystery surrounding Sarah Hamilton. Max joins forces with Kat Hamilton, one of Buck and Sarah’s daughters. Kat is suspicious about her mother, especially when she and Max start investigating her and find suspicious clues that don’t put Sarah in the best light. Kat wants to be happy that her mother is alive and well, but she doesn’t know what to believe. With the help of the local Sheriff and his wife, they start to put some of the clues together and find a nest of terrorists who are out for a big bang and Kat and Max will need to discover who the threat really is and if it involves her mother or not….

The Hero

Max Malone is a journalist, although many see him as one of those gossip rag reporters, Max is much more reserved than that. Max has always made it his mission to search for the truth in the most honorable way that he can. It isn’t easy for him, but he makes a decent living, and knows that he goes with his career with a clear conscience. But even though he is on a job, his attraction to Kat is true. He has mixed feelings because as he joins forces with Kat, desire and emotional attachment begins to form, and if he wants to have his career and the woman that he loves he will need to tread carefully, especially when it involves her family in the case. Max is a hero you can admire and highly respect. He is the type of hero any woman would be thrilled to find. He is loyal, honest, and has a good heart. He doesn’t suguar coat things but at the same time is diplomatic when needed.

The Heroine

Kat Hamilton, is a photographer and a good one at that. She is currently working on getting her work out to the public for auction. Kat is one of six of Buck Hamilton’s daughters. She has always known privelage and wealth, but has never let that overcome who she is. Kat is close to her family, most especially her sisters. She has a dividing line between her real mother and her step mother. Kat is a heroine that keeps her head in the game and doesn’t let emotion overcome common sense. I liked that she could remain logical but at the same time still feel emotional in the right moments. She doesn’t hide from who she is or how she feels. She is forthright and honest and this is where we find a commonality between Kat and Max. Kat hides part of herself from others though, but never from herself or her family. She had a traumatic past, that changed her and made her wary of men. But Kat can’t deny her feelings for Max or what he stirs in her.

Plot and Story Line

Lucky Shot was a most interesting read and I am thrilled that I got a chance to pick it up. I was able to get it through Netgalley, and I am thrilled I snatched it up and didn’t let it pass by. For one, it was different and refreshing in ways I honestly didn’t expect. The romance isn’t the primary element in the story, but I felt okay with that to be honest. Normally I wouldn’t, but Lucky Shot had a unique feel to it that I couldn’t put it down. The mystery and intrigu portions of the story is what really drives this book and I couldn’t help but wonder who was really behind everything. I will point out that there is a bit of a cliffhanger. Now in regards to the couple, we have a mix of HFN and a HEA—as far as Max and Kat are concerned so that was simething I was definitely on board with. I do want to point out about the heat level. There isn’t much heat as I was expecting, but it was a refreshing level of heat. But the cliffhanger is in regards to the mystery around Sarah Hamilton. Which I have a feeling the next book will pick right off where this one has ended (at least I am crossing my fingers on that one).

What is most interesting is Max and Kat stumbling across a conspiracy of a group of terrorists that has been in the makings for over 30 years. That was quite a fascinating twist, and we learn this from the beginning. But what really puzzles this reader is that I am still not sure about the mother yet. I really want her to be good and clean, and there is some mystery around her being framed, but there is still danger from beginning to end. Max and Kat definitely have their hands full and we begin to see the puzzle slowly come together but you are left with more questions. But not in a super frustrating way, but in the type of circumstance where its a mix of teaser and cliffhanger to encourage you to read the next book. I normally don’t go for that sort of feel, I hate loose ends in a story. But B.J. Daniels really handled the ending in such a brilliant way and she weaves a story that you can’t seem to get enough of. I would highly recommend this to any mystery or contemporary romance lover.

The Cover

This is my favorite cover of the series. First off, that man is drop dead gorgeous, and I love the slight scruff….SEXY as all get out. Love his confident pose with the ranch countryside background. Love it.

Overall View

Lucky Shot is a beautifully woven story that is compelling and intense in emotion and mystery. It will keep you guessing and give you shocks and delights from beginning to end. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

About B.J. Daniels

B.J. Daniels' life dream was to be a policewoman. After a career as an award-winning newspaper journalist, she wrote and sold 37 short stories before she finally wrote her first book. Since then she has won numerous awards including a career achievement award last year for romantic suspense.

She lives in Montana with her husband, Parker, two Springer Spaniels, Jem and Spot, and a temperamental tomcat named Jeff. When she isn't writing, she snowboards, camps, boats and plays tennis.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads