Bea Reviews Justified Misfortune by Lori Matthews

Series: Brotherhood Protectors World
Read As A Stand Alone: Yes
Publisher: Twisted Page Press
Source: the author in exchange for an honest review
Release Date: Oct. 13th, 2020
Buying Links: Amazon* | Book Depository* | * associate links; the blog receives a small commission from purchases made through these links.


Blurb from goodreads:

Hudson Riggs has returned to his family's ranch after years spent traveling the world. The former Navy SEAL accepted a position as a Personal Security Specialist, a job that didn't leave much free time. He never expected his visit to his hometown to turn into another job. His former High School flame has been arrested for murder but Hudson's gut instinct is she didn't do it. All he has to do now is prove it.For Sunny Travers, being back in Canyon Springs is bittersweet. She desperately misses her life in California but her grandmother needs her. Sunny's world flips upside down when she's arrested for killing the local hero. Now the citizens of Canyon Springs have turned against her and she's forced to accept help from the man who broke her heart all those years ago.Hudson knows Sunny hasn't forgiven him. Hell, he hasn't forgiven himself for how he left things but all his emotions take a back seat when someone tries to kill Sunny. Can Hudson protect Sunny long enough to apologize to her and right old wrongs or will the killer get to her first? (less)

My Thoughts:

While you're here, take a minute to check out my giveaway of this book, and read a mini-excerpt. The giveaway ends tomorrow night, so don't delay! 

This book is part of a shared world founded by author Elle James but reads as a stand alone. I read about this book in a newsletter she sent and then within a day or so, Ms. Matthews' publicist contacted me about this book. Serendipity!

"Justified Misfortune" is a second-chance romance featuring high school sweethearts, Sunny and Hudson. Hudson left her behind years ago without a word and Sunny hasn't forgiven him. She leaves town too but comes home to help her grandmother, but finds herself accused of murder. Hudson is back him, helping out his mother, and uses subterfuge and trickery to ensure he's able to be by Sunny's side and help her out. I was not a fan of Hudson's behavior. He was going to help her whether she wanted it or not and had no compunctions about being deceitful. Now, he didn't let that drag on and did come clean so that was good. But his attitude that he knew better than she did and would go behind her back and be sneaky to get what he wanted didn't sit right with me. He promises to treat her respect and never lie to her again. Sunny proves that she can take care of herself and isn't a princess who sits around in a tower, waiting to be rescued.

Sunny was stuck in the past emotionally and it took time for her to see Hudson as he was now and not the boy he'd been.The heat was still there between them and she tried to resist him but couldn't. Their problems were resolved a little too easily but I was glad they took the time to talk, and to listen. 

The murderer was easy to spot though their motive took me longer to figure out and I was only partly right. The murder victim wasn't likable, which opened up lots of potential suspects. I would have liked to see more consequences for the people who were harassing Sunny due to their belief that she was the killer. 

"Justified Misfortune" wasn't compelling but it was pleasant and I enjoyed the world building. I want to see more of the various security companies mentioned and I'm intrigues by Hudson's friend Rhys. I'm intrigued enough to come back for more.