The Power of Love and Murder

The Love and Murder Series, Book 4

By: Brenda Whiteside

Narrated by: Holly Holt

RONE Award Finalist

For 13 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.

If you're a fan of romantic suspense, this is a must-listen. If you're a fan of suspense and/or political thrillers, you'll love it!

©2016 Brenda Whiteside (P)2020 Brenda Whiteside

crimes and cover ups

Jake was beyond brave and oozed integrity, especially after he found out the whole truth of the situation. Penny's quest for revenge was foolhardy and dangerous for both her and Jake!! The twist at the end was shocking! I guess there is no honor among thieves! I was so disappointed in Penny ghosting Jake and making incorrect assumptions about him! Smh. She should have known better. Impulsive Penny is lacking in trust and integrity. The narrator did a good job with female voices, but not so much with male voices. I voluntarily listened to a free copy and am giving an honest review.

Sweet revenge...

13 yrs ago, Penny Sparks left her old life, after her family was murdered, and reinvented herself in Flagstaff, AZ. She has a good job and a great best friend and roommate, Mandy. However, she always gets melancholy at Christmas time, not having her family. When she reaches out to her aunt, Penny inadvertently puts herself back on the radar of her family’s killer. Jake Winters was once an up and coming rockstar...until drugs and booze took over his life. Now Jake can barely afford gas for his truck so he decides to visit his sister. Jake and Penny have a wee bit of history from 6yrs ago and are trying to ignore the mutual attraction. Things seem to be going well until tragedy strikes and Penny’s past comes storming back. Is there an HEA for this pair?
Good story and well written. I have read/listened to earlier books in the series and this one did not disappoint.
I accepted a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Sweet romance and fun suspense!

Listening experience was good. The narrator overall did a good job; she had some parts where she was a little too exuberant or robotic, but the listening experience was still fun.

Penny is in hiding from the people who murdered her family 13 years ago; she is currently living with her best friend, Mandy. Mandy’s brother, Jake, is going to stay with them while he gets back on his feet. Jake is an ex-rockstar that went over the rails with his party ways; drugs, alcohol, etc., so he definitely lost his way and is trying to find himself. Jake and Penny met before, but Jake was a jerk to Penny, so they don’t exactly get along, but there’s still this attraction between them. There’s a good connection between Penny and Jake; so sweet at times, and it’s great how supportive Jake is. Unfortunately, there is some major obstacles these 2 have to deal with; some very sad and dangerous things. Loved getting both POV’s from Penny and Jake, and there was also a bad guy POV, which I enjoyed. It was fun to see how things are seen differently. Loved the suspense brought on with Penny’s past; some entertaining scenarios going on. I haven’t read any other of Whiteside’s books, but I’m looking forward to reading more after reading this one.

Good Love Story

After hiding for 13 yrs from the people who killed her family, Penny meets her best friend's brother Jake. Jake moves in with the girls until he gets back onto his feet. With his past history as with her's, they end up getting close to each other. Then the worst possible thing happens to Jake! His sister is mistakenly taken for Penny and murdered. In the end, Penny get revenge on the person who killed her family, gets her man, and a happy life with Jake.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Small town romantic suspense

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 & 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.

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 from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Thrilling listen

Penny has been hiding for years after revealing her location shes hunted by the murderers who she believes killed her family great listen series has been great !

A haunting story showing they ghosts of our past are always present-

This is the first book I’ve read by Brenda Whiteside and the first book I’ve heard by Holly Holt.

It was a great story; the characters were introduced and developed well; the drama and intensity intriguing and although I thought the HEA was a little less climatic than I would prefer, it was touching and heartfelt.

You will want to be Mandy’s best friend; Jakes love and Penny’s sister; you will be cheering for justice and wanting to hunt down the bad guy yourself.

The narration was a little hard for me to get through; I didn’t enjoy all the characters voices and the pauses between chapters and at other times made it less enjoyable.

I do recommend this books and will listen to the others in this series as I would like to see how this series progresses.

I was given this audio book in exchange for this review.

Good story

Good story, I like this kind of plots.
Good narration (but I prefer when the narrator differentiate more the different characters' voices, it's easier to identify them).