If you See Her by Shiloh Walker
Genre: romantic Suspense
Series: Ash Trilogy #2
Publication Date: January 31, 2012
ISBN: 978-0345517548
Page Count: 400
Rating: ★★★

 A FACE IN THE MIRROR

Hope Carson may not look like a survivor, but she has escaped an abusive ex-husband and recovered from a vicious assault. Now she endures the painful memories and suspicious rumors surrounding her involvement in the attack. Her ex is a cop, so the last people she trusts are law enforcement officials—and she certainly doesn’t trust how the local DA makes her feel inside.

Remy Jennings should know better. He has no business falling for a woman who he suspects may have a deeply troubled mind. And even if he did make a move, she’d bolt like a frightened rabbit. But how can he deny a burning desire that threatens to consume him? As Hope’s past catches up with her in the worst way, Remy is determined to break through her defenses, earn her trust, and keep her safe in his arms—before it’s too late.

REVIEW

This is book two of the trilogy following the disturbing serial rapist/killer who's using the quiet town of Ash for his sadistic games. During the course of which, three couples meet and fall in love and in some way or other, become embroiled in the danger.

Although having said that, this time was a slight departure because the lead female character, Hope, whom we met in book one as Law Riley's frightened mouse of a friend who's been abused for years by her ex husband, has enough troubles of her own. And since the killer came a little too close to discovery in book one, he's taking a little time out until the dust settles, so this book wasn't as much about him as the first instalment.

It was interesting to see the hunter become the hunted. It was even more interesting to see Hope work through her issues. A simple thing like getting her hair cut was so liberating because she had no control over such things before. If her ex ever saw that's she'd had more than a quarter inch taken off, he'd refuse to speak to her for days, or worse. Hearing Hope recount this and more of the warped things her ex husband did, was as darkly fascinating as it was disturbing.

The love story was sweet as well. Remy turned out to be a beautifully patient man. I'm quite liking how, so far in this series, it's been the man than has fallen first. They really suited each other as a couple. Remy is just what she needs after all that she's been through.

I'm still waiting for this series to really set me alight, however. I don't seem to be enjoying it to the same degree as other reviewers. I'm not sure why that is the case, but it's missing some vital unknown element for me. I realise that statement it entirely unhelpful. Sorry.

Still, I look forward to book three, just so I can finally find out who the killer is!!

3 Stars! ★★★