Smorgasbord Book Reviews – #Crime #Thriller – Protective Instincts by Joy York

Delighted to share my review for the latest release, a riveting crime thriller by Joy York  – Protective Instincts.

About the book

When self-absorbed, international bestselling author Sebastian Bartoli refuses to write the biography of the infamous, mob-connected Maximillian Fontana, the consequences turn deadly.

Sebastian (Bash) Bartoli is an international bestselling crime novelist. Maximillian (Max) Fontana, who is reputed to have ties to organized white-collar crime, has insisted Bash write his biography. Concerned for his safety, Bash’s friend/agent devises an elaborate plan for him to disappear to a secluded location on Guntersville Lake in Alabama. Being accustomed to having his comfortable life managed, Bash is irritated by the inconvenience of having to deal with his own affairs, not to mention the danger it might pose if he is discovered.

Morgan Skylar is a good-natured and unfiltered, southern kindergarten teacher. She is much more comfortable eating potato chips with Cheez Whiz and Louisiana Hot Sauce than champagne and caviar. After the death of her overly protective grandfather (Pops) who raised her in rural Georgia, she takes time off to grieve, ending up in a cottage next door to Bash. When mechanical issues arise, she seeks help from the renter in the main house. Bash is annoyed that his secluded hideout is apparently not so secret. Begrudgingly, he offers her assistance. This is where Morgan and Bash’s worlds collide. When suited, armed men show up at the lake house, Morgan’s trained survival skills take over, and she secures their escape by boat as bullets fly.

Morgan offers to provide a temporary sanctuary to Bash in her Pops’ remote Appalachian cabin. Upon arrival, she discovers a letter from Pops revealing his dangerous past that may now be coming for her. As the unwitting targets of dangerous men, Bash and Morgan fight to stay a step ahead of their pursuers, while seeking answers. Bonds are tested. Trusts are broken. Alliances formed. Agendas hidden.

My review for the book February 10th 2024.

This is a fast paced thriller with plenty of action, intrigue, twists and turns that keeps you turning the pages, plus a lovely element of romance that softens the darker sides of the story.

I loved all the characters, including the ones with dark hearts and evil intent. But especially the fiesty Morgan, who whilst prepared for anything by her paranoid grandfather, and well able to hold her own in the most challenging and dangerous situations, is still  very innocent in many ways. Meeting up with world weary author Bash might not seem like fate at first, but as their back stories unravel, and more is revealed about their families, it does seem that destiny has a hand in their future.

The action takes place across the country in RVs, cars and on motorbikes as not only those intent on causing them harm follow them, but people and events from the past catch up to them with startling revelations.

Having read Genuine Deceit I knew that Joy York was an excellent writer, and this book definitely reinforces that opinion. If you enjoy thrillers with intriguing characters, plots, nail-biting action with some delightful romantic interludes then I can highly recommend this book.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK

Also by Joy York

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK – Follow Joy: Goodreads – Website: Joy York –  Facebook: Joy York Author – Twitter: @JoyYorkAuthor

About Joy York

Joy York grew up in Alabama but has spent much of her adult life in the Midwest, currently living with her husband in Indiana with their two golden doodles, Jake and Bailey. Inspired by a family legacy of oral storytelling, she began creating stories and adventures for her son when he was growing up. With encouragement from family and friends, she began to write them down. Her first book, The Bloody Shoe Affair: A daring and thrilling adventure with the jailer’s daughter, a YA mystery, was published in 2015. Genuine Deceit, an adult suspense novel, was her second book followed in 2024 by the crime thriller Protective Instinct.

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will enjoy reading Joy’s book as much as I did..