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Sunrise Lake #2
Red on the River
#1 New York Times bestselling author Christine Feehan goes all in with this sexy romantic thriller set among the dangers—both man-made and natural—of Nevada’s breathtaking landscape.
Vienna Mortenson isn’t your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up. Out in the backcountry there’s no time for hesitation when lives are on the line. Vienna prides herself on being tough and decisive. She’s not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance.
Zale Vizzini’s job constantly puts him in harm’s way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn’t exactly a recipe for a stable relationship. Despite the challenges and the risks, Zale wants something real with Vienna. He just needed time to figure out how to be in her life without putting her in danger. Now, he’s determined to win her back, and he’s ready to lay all his cards on the table.
As their friends’ wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna’s heart. But there are more deadly forces waiting to strike in the rugged terrain of Nevada and the western Sierras. Soon both of their lives are threatened, and the odds are stacked against them....
Vienna Mortenson isn’t your typical gambler. She prefers to stay under the radar, using her poker winnings to support her family and her community, including the local search and rescue team, which she heads up. Out in the backcountry there’s no time for hesitation when lives are on the line. Vienna prides herself on being tough and decisive. She’s not the sort to make a fool of herself over a guy, especially one who left her high and dry without a backward glance.
Zale Vizzini’s job constantly puts him in harm’s way. Working undercover and disappearing for months at a time isn’t exactly a recipe for a stable relationship. Despite the challenges and the risks, Zale wants something real with Vienna. He just needed time to figure out how to be in her life without putting her in danger. Now, he’s determined to win her back, and he’s ready to lay all his cards on the table.
As their friends’ wedding approaches, Zale takes advantage of the festivities to make a play for Vienna’s heart. But there are more deadly forces waiting to strike in the rugged terrain of Nevada and the western Sierras. Soon both of their lives are threatened, and the odds are stacked against them....
Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
About the author
Christine Feehan
185 books52.1k followersChristine Feehan is a #1 New York Times bestselling author multiple times over with her portfolio including over 90 published novels, including five series; Dark Series, GhostWalker Series, Leopard Series, Drake Sisters Series, the Sisters of the Heart Series, Shadow Riders and Torpedo Ink. All of her series have hit the #1 spot on the New York Times bestselling list as well. Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature (PEARL) in 1999. Since then she has been published by various publishing houses including Leisure Books, Pocket Books, and currently is writing for Berkley/Jove. She also has earned 7 more PEARL awards since Dark Prince.
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
Her series include:
The Dark Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/darkb...
The GhostWalker series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/ghost...
The Leopard Series - https://www.christinefeehan.com/leopa...
The Shadow Series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/shado...
Torpedo Ink series- https://www.christinefeehan.com/torpe...
IN HER WORDS:
I've been a writer all of my life -- it is who I am. I write for myself and always have. The ability to create pictures and emotions with words is such a miracle to me. I read everything; I mean everything! All kinds of books, even encyclopedias. I am fascinated by the written word and I love storytellers. It is a great privilege to be counted one myself. (www.christinefeehan.com)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
June 30, 2022
I usually love Christine Feehan books. This one was just too much, or rather not enough of what it was supposed to be. To say this is a romantic thriller is misleading. At best this is a sisterhood novel. The conversations lasted too long, there was not enough plot movement, there was absolutely no romantic development between the two main characters, in my opinion-thus hard to be invested in them as a couple, and too many non-plot related, read:pointless- plot directions. This book seemed to more of a sisterhood novel rather than a romance, and it was great at that. But overall, that is not what I was looking for when I picked up this book. Ultimately, I'm really disappointed in the way Vienna and Zale's story was told, or not told, as it is.
June 16, 2023
It's been ages since I read a Christine Feehan book. I read all of, and absolutely loved her Dark Carpathian series...so was interested to see how this one was going to fare out. Different... but I believe will just as good, eventually. Few characters can match those sexy vampire-like beings from that series, but I did love Zale Vizzini in this one. I said..."will eventually be just as good", so I need to clarify that. About 60% of the book focused on the women bonding. There was so much detail on their group conversations and too much, mostly non-essential to the story detail, about their activities...hiking, kayaking, and climbing. Some of these details about the women were repeated multiple times. It was almost as if the story needed to be stretched out or the author had to account for a certain number of words. I'm used to there being plenty of "spooky activity" in her books and I kept waiting for something, anything other than hiking, climbing and kayaking...to happen. So many of the scenes seemed to have no real purpose. Please don't think that this book didn't have promise and some really good parts, or that it was in any way badly written. Based on her previous work I was just expecting a bit more. Because Christine Feehan has always produced top-of-the-line stories...I will happily read the next book in this series...and I may have to pay the Carpathians a revisit.
June 30, 2022
Christine brings it all in this Romantic Suspense Mystery. You experience the tension and pull of high stakes poker, exhilaration of bouldering & trail biking in places like Red Rock Canyon, kayaking The Colorado River, &more! If you're looking for adventure, intrigue that keeps you guessing who what where & when, strong women & friendships, & bossy alpha males, it's in there with several OMG moments and paranormal touches of psychic gifts.
.
“It’s not the cards you’re dealt it's how you play the hand.” Is a quote I’ve seen paraphrased many times. It fits this book and the journey the characters are on figuratively and literally.
.
Literally by our main character, Vienna, in Vegas for a high stakes poker tournament! And figuratively through out the romantic suspense storyline, navigating their relationship, the mysteries to solve, the dangers to face, action to take, karma to deliver!
.
Vienna has a knack for knowing how to play her hand, helped along by a psychic gift showing her the best direction to go, weighing the odds. You definitely get the vibe not everyone is thrilled by how well she does.
As the reader you’re caught up in the realization Vienna and Zale had a previous romance, the sexual tension and physical attraction heat things up, there’s no conflict in this part of things! The abundance of happens behind closed doors but nothing is missing in the story without it. This second chance romance finds its heart-grabbing internal conflicts in her resistance to trust men, even she’s not sure where it comes from. And his loyalty to almost a fault to his top-secret high-risk job, called a Ghost, that has him wondering how to make a relationship work and keeping secrets, like why he walked off and left her before...and other secrets, I don’t want to spoil, I’ll tell you that it will give you omg moments, which obviously doesn’t make him easy to trust!
.
The relationship is well written, interactions flow naturally around the suspense plotline, the flow between them fits their circumstances and the conflicts they face, how they try to play their hand because of them, and growth and change fits, isn’t rushed, and has those OMG moments of revelation! You are hoping for their HEA one minute and dropping your jaw yelling at the page the next! I love a storyline that doesn’t make it all easy!
.
It really doesn’t make it any easier to overcome their internal conflicts with the external conflicts they face in the middle of murders and violence. You start out feeling as if the main danger is tied to our hero…the mystery tied up in his job. Some danger starts targeting Vienna, is it connected to Zale’s assignments or something to do with her victory at the table? Are they connected, how would they be?
.
Leaving Zale to his assignment after her tournament ends, Vienna connects with her friends for a bridal pre-wedding getaway for a friend. It involves exploring Red Rock Canyon, kayaking The Colorado River…more. It becomes clear the danger didn’t seem to want to stay on the strip. Events have you wondering is there more than one mystery, more than one villian. I love the bonds and support these ladies have for each other. A feeling of a dark menacing shadow lurking around her, they put their sleuthing hats on and try to figure things out, the mystery and the relationship! Events bring Zale and other Ghosts to her aid and bring more revelations about these ladies and the lives they’ve led.
.
Revelations occur as they try to stay a head of the danger. Things start to piece together answers are found with amazing reveals about everything, the why, and a who, totally surprised me! As antagonists close in there are climactic hearts stopping scenes. When it catches up, they help each other weigh the odds and course of action. You’re immersed in peek through your fingers but keep turning pages action and a heart stopping chase! Everything sewn up with karma delivered and a happy future promised.
.
“It’s not the cards you’re dealt it's how you play the hand.” Is a quote I’ve seen paraphrased many times. It fits this book and the journey the characters are on figuratively and literally.
.
Literally by our main character, Vienna, in Vegas for a high stakes poker tournament! And figuratively through out the romantic suspense storyline, navigating their relationship, the mysteries to solve, the dangers to face, action to take, karma to deliver!
.
Vienna has a knack for knowing how to play her hand, helped along by a psychic gift showing her the best direction to go, weighing the odds. You definitely get the vibe not everyone is thrilled by how well she does.
As the reader you’re caught up in the realization Vienna and Zale had a previous romance, the sexual tension and physical attraction heat things up, there’s no conflict in this part of things! The abundance of happens behind closed doors but nothing is missing in the story without it. This second chance romance finds its heart-grabbing internal conflicts in her resistance to trust men, even she’s not sure where it comes from. And his loyalty to almost a fault to his top-secret high-risk job, called a Ghost, that has him wondering how to make a relationship work and keeping secrets, like why he walked off and left her before...and other secrets, I don’t want to spoil, I’ll tell you that it will give you omg moments, which obviously doesn’t make him easy to trust!
.
The relationship is well written, interactions flow naturally around the suspense plotline, the flow between them fits their circumstances and the conflicts they face, how they try to play their hand because of them, and growth and change fits, isn’t rushed, and has those OMG moments of revelation! You are hoping for their HEA one minute and dropping your jaw yelling at the page the next! I love a storyline that doesn’t make it all easy!
.
It really doesn’t make it any easier to overcome their internal conflicts with the external conflicts they face in the middle of murders and violence. You start out feeling as if the main danger is tied to our hero…the mystery tied up in his job. Some danger starts targeting Vienna, is it connected to Zale’s assignments or something to do with her victory at the table? Are they connected, how would they be?
.
Leaving Zale to his assignment after her tournament ends, Vienna connects with her friends for a bridal pre-wedding getaway for a friend. It involves exploring Red Rock Canyon, kayaking The Colorado River…more. It becomes clear the danger didn’t seem to want to stay on the strip. Events have you wondering is there more than one mystery, more than one villian. I love the bonds and support these ladies have for each other. A feeling of a dark menacing shadow lurking around her, they put their sleuthing hats on and try to figure things out, the mystery and the relationship! Events bring Zale and other Ghosts to her aid and bring more revelations about these ladies and the lives they’ve led.
.
Revelations occur as they try to stay a head of the danger. Things start to piece together answers are found with amazing reveals about everything, the why, and a who, totally surprised me! As antagonists close in there are climactic hearts stopping scenes. When it catches up, they help each other weigh the odds and course of action. You’re immersed in peek through your fingers but keep turning pages action and a heart stopping chase! Everything sewn up with karma delivered and a happy future promised.
June 30, 2022
Second in the Sunrise Lake series, this time centering around Vienna and Zale. She has a psychic gift that allows her to do exceedingly well at poker. She’s a nurse and the head of their little town’s Search and Rescue. She’s an awesomely strong female MC.
I enjoyed all the poker scenes and the action scenes in this book. BUT if you’re expecting the usual scorching sexy scenes (typical of Christine Feehan’s other books), this has NONE. It’s all implied. Which I for one, am very very grateful for.
BUT that being said, I also will say that I don’t feel any chemistry between Vienna and Zale at all. NONE. Zilch. Nada. There’s no banter. There are no feels. Their relationship is more of the background to all the action.
I mainly liked the book because of all the secondary characters — the other girls and the bond that these women have. I want to read Shabina’s book, and Raine’s, Zahra’s and Harlow’s. The other ladies are so fascinating.
I enjoyed all the poker scenes and the action scenes in this book. BUT if you’re expecting the usual scorching sexy scenes (typical of Christine Feehan’s other books), this has NONE. It’s all implied. Which I for one, am very very grateful for.
BUT that being said, I also will say that I don’t feel any chemistry between Vienna and Zale at all. NONE. Zilch. Nada. There’s no banter. There are no feels. Their relationship is more of the background to all the action.
I mainly liked the book because of all the secondary characters — the other girls and the bond that these women have. I want to read Shabina’s book, and Raine’s, Zahra’s and Harlow’s. The other ladies are so fascinating.
June 12, 2022
First, let me say that I am a huge Christine Feehan fan (the Dark series is one of my all-time favorites) and I always recommend giving her a try. She tells great stories.
Second, Red on the River has the same characters as Murder at Sunrise Lake. It is a standalone novel, but there is some character overlap, so you might want to read the other book first.
Feehan does a great job setting a scene. She manages to give enough details to draw you into the scene without overwhelming you. She builds her secondary characters the same way. She makes sure there are little drops of extra information to help them feel more real and to help flesh them out. Sometimes she does get a bit caught up though. There are a couple of places where there are so many details, that it actually works against the plot. I understand including information so that people who aren't familiar with something, like bouldering, can picture what is happening, but these places go beyond that. And in my opinion, it pushes this book out of the thriller genre because it slows the plot down and keeps the tension from building.
I also struggled with the dialog in Red on the River. There was just so much talking. The characters talked everything to death. I know in real life, people have a lot of conversations, but having the characters verbalize everything, even things that were not relevant in any way, made me put the book down more than once. For example, toward the end, there is a kind of climactic scene. But in the middle of this dangerous, tense, possibly deadly situation, there are pages and pages of dialog, some of which is in no way relevant or needed for the scene. I found it very frustrating.
I will say overall I enjoyed the book. I just wish it had either been a romance or a thriller instead of the odd, too-long hybrid that it ended up being.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions in my review are given voluntarily.
Second, Red on the River has the same characters as Murder at Sunrise Lake. It is a standalone novel, but there is some character overlap, so you might want to read the other book first.
Feehan does a great job setting a scene. She manages to give enough details to draw you into the scene without overwhelming you. She builds her secondary characters the same way. She makes sure there are little drops of extra information to help them feel more real and to help flesh them out. Sometimes she does get a bit caught up though. There are a couple of places where there are so many details, that it actually works against the plot. I understand including information so that people who aren't familiar with something, like bouldering, can picture what is happening, but these places go beyond that. And in my opinion, it pushes this book out of the thriller genre because it slows the plot down and keeps the tension from building.
I also struggled with the dialog in Red on the River. There was just so much talking. The characters talked everything to death. I know in real life, people have a lot of conversations, but having the characters verbalize everything, even things that were not relevant in any way, made me put the book down more than once. For example, toward the end, there is a kind of climactic scene. But in the middle of this dangerous, tense, possibly deadly situation, there are pages and pages of dialog, some of which is in no way relevant or needed for the scene. I found it very frustrating.
I will say overall I enjoyed the book. I just wish it had either been a romance or a thriller instead of the odd, too-long hybrid that it ended up being.
Thank you, NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions in my review are given voluntarily.
June 22, 2022
RED ON THE RIVER is a contemporary, adult, slightly paranormal, romantic thriller set in the author’s MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE world. This is professional poker player/surgical nurse Vienna Mortenson, and undercover operative Zale Vizzini’s story line. RED ON THE RIVER can be read as a stand-alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Vienna Mortenson was first introduced in book one.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from third person perspective RED ON THE RIVER follows the second chance relationship between professional poker player/surgical nurse Vienna Mortenson, and undercover operative Zale Vizzini. Months earlier, a serial killer targeted Stella Harrison (Murder at Sunrise Lake), and in their wake threatened Stella and her close-knit friends including our heroine Vienna Mortenson. Taking some time for herself in the aftermath of the life-threatening events , Vienna would set out on an outdoor adventure where she would meet one of their rescuers, undercover operative Zale Vizzini. Six weeks together ended when Zale ghosted our story line heroine, leaving a heart broken Vienna in his wake. Fast forward to present day, wherein an invitation to a Las Vegas Poker Tournament brings Vienna up close and personal with the man who broke her heart, a man whose secrets may push Vienna out of his life.
All was not well in Las Vegas, Nevada; two undercover operatives were missing and presumed dead, and Zale and his partner Rainier claimed to have been hired to protect the hotel owner Daniel Wallin, but someone has targeted our story line heroine in the process, leaving Vienna exposed and unaware of what happened. Vienna Mortenson would find herself under the protection of Zale Vizzini, protection that would pull our couple together even though Vienna struggled with events from the past. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Zale and Vienna, and the potential fall-out as secrets are revealed, a contract needs to be fulfilled, placing a target on the back of our story line heroine.
The relationship between Zale and Vienna is a rekindling romance. Zale had previously ghosted Vienna following a six week whirlwind romance in which Vienna found herself falling for a man whose lifestyle was constantly on the move.Vienna’s past was mired in rejection and loss, and in this, our heroine struggled to trust the man who walked away without looking back. There are no $ex scenes.
We are re-introduced to a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a few ‘Mafia’ members that may or may not have a future story line: Zale’s partner Rainier, operatives Rush, and Wilder; Stella and Sam (Murder at Sunrise Lake); nurse/photographer Harlow Frye; café owner Shabina Foster; computer IT expert and contracted government employee Raine O’Mallory; nurse Zahra Metcalf; Sam Rossi’s father Don Marco Rossi; and hotel owner Daniel Wallin. The requisite evil has many faces.
RED ON THE RIVER is another complex, detailed and informative story line often over-focusing on poker, poker play, and card combinations, as well as an exhaustive account of hiking, and mountain climbing. As per Christine Feehan’s style of writing, there is a slight paranormal aspect to the series but the author steers clear of any erotic $ex scenes or the use of strong language.
A side note- the author’s use of the paranormal aspect is virtually nil in the story, and in this, I believe the story line and series would benefit without the supernatural element.
www.thereadingcafe.com
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from third person perspective RED ON THE RIVER follows the second chance relationship between professional poker player/surgical nurse Vienna Mortenson, and undercover operative Zale Vizzini. Months earlier, a serial killer targeted Stella Harrison (Murder at Sunrise Lake), and in their wake threatened Stella and her close-knit friends including our heroine Vienna Mortenson. Taking some time for herself in the aftermath of the life-threatening events , Vienna would set out on an outdoor adventure where she would meet one of their rescuers, undercover operative Zale Vizzini. Six weeks together ended when Zale ghosted our story line heroine, leaving a heart broken Vienna in his wake. Fast forward to present day, wherein an invitation to a Las Vegas Poker Tournament brings Vienna up close and personal with the man who broke her heart, a man whose secrets may push Vienna out of his life.
All was not well in Las Vegas, Nevada; two undercover operatives were missing and presumed dead, and Zale and his partner Rainier claimed to have been hired to protect the hotel owner Daniel Wallin, but someone has targeted our story line heroine in the process, leaving Vienna exposed and unaware of what happened. Vienna Mortenson would find herself under the protection of Zale Vizzini, protection that would pull our couple together even though Vienna struggled with events from the past. What ensues is the rebuilding relationship between Zale and Vienna, and the potential fall-out as secrets are revealed, a contract needs to be fulfilled, placing a target on the back of our story line heroine.
The relationship between Zale and Vienna is a rekindling romance. Zale had previously ghosted Vienna following a six week whirlwind romance in which Vienna found herself falling for a man whose lifestyle was constantly on the move.Vienna’s past was mired in rejection and loss, and in this, our heroine struggled to trust the man who walked away without looking back. There are no $ex scenes.
We are re-introduced to a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including a few ‘Mafia’ members that may or may not have a future story line: Zale’s partner Rainier, operatives Rush, and Wilder; Stella and Sam (Murder at Sunrise Lake); nurse/photographer Harlow Frye; café owner Shabina Foster; computer IT expert and contracted government employee Raine O’Mallory; nurse Zahra Metcalf; Sam Rossi’s father Don Marco Rossi; and hotel owner Daniel Wallin. The requisite evil has many faces.
RED ON THE RIVER is another complex, detailed and informative story line often over-focusing on poker, poker play, and card combinations, as well as an exhaustive account of hiking, and mountain climbing. As per Christine Feehan’s style of writing, there is a slight paranormal aspect to the series but the author steers clear of any erotic $ex scenes or the use of strong language.
A side note- the author’s use of the paranormal aspect is virtually nil in the story, and in this, I believe the story line and series would benefit without the supernatural element.
www.thereadingcafe.com
June 29, 2022
There was a lot going on in this one. Starting with the poker tournament, which seemed straight forward at first. I liked how Vienna kept winning, stunning the guys, when all she was supposed to be was a pretty face and drop out fairly quickly. It was during the poker tourney that you realized more was going on, a blast from Vienna's past showed up and she wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing.
Vienna ended up ducking out of Las Vegas quickly after the tourney ended and we moved to the bridal outings. I really loved this part. This group of women were so much fun! You could tell that they loved each other by the amount of crap that they flipped each other. I sure wouldn't want to do the activities they did, but they seemed to enjoy them and have fun. Sadly it wasn't all fun and trouble came. Things escalated quickly, people were hurt and some very dark things came to the light and a lot of the group had to face some things. Of course our guys beat the bad guys, but it was close.
The ending was interesting, first we had a wedding with an interruption you haven't ever seen before. But the best was the girls at the end, supporting each other and having fun.
Vienna ended up ducking out of Las Vegas quickly after the tourney ended and we moved to the bridal outings. I really loved this part. This group of women were so much fun! You could tell that they loved each other by the amount of crap that they flipped each other. I sure wouldn't want to do the activities they did, but they seemed to enjoy them and have fun. Sadly it wasn't all fun and trouble came. Things escalated quickly, people were hurt and some very dark things came to the light and a lot of the group had to face some things. Of course our guys beat the bad guys, but it was close.
The ending was interesting, first we had a wedding with an interruption you haven't ever seen before. But the best was the girls at the end, supporting each other and having fun.
July 8, 2022
When she isn't hiking, climbing, nursing, rafting, or working search and rescue, Vienna Mortenson is playing poker, using a special ability she has which tells her what cards everyone has. Normally Vienna would play online, but she has been invited by a prestigious casino owner to play in his nationally televised tournament and has waved her entry fee. Vienna is intrigued, and the tournament corresponds with the bachelorette party that she has planned for her friend, Stella, but trouble comes when undercover agent, Zale Vizzini, the man who walked away from her months ago without a backward glance, shows up at the tournament as bodyguard for one of the wealthy players.
Red on the River is extremely problematic. One issue is that there are way too many characters, leaving them all underdeveloped. Another issue is that this plot seems to have no focus, making the objectives unclear. The most frustrating issue is the amount of action and story that takes place off page so the reader is overwhelmed with dialogue that goes nowhere, events that seem unimportant and plot points that seem ridiculous. All of these issues could have been acceptable in a humorous, campy story with fun characters who are deeply in love, but the romance is barely included. Overall, Red on the River is a disappointing narrative that offers very little for the reader to enjoy.
Red on the River is extremely problematic. One issue is that there are way too many characters, leaving them all underdeveloped. Another issue is that this plot seems to have no focus, making the objectives unclear. The most frustrating issue is the amount of action and story that takes place off page so the reader is overwhelmed with dialogue that goes nowhere, events that seem unimportant and plot points that seem ridiculous. All of these issues could have been acceptable in a humorous, campy story with fun characters who are deeply in love, but the romance is barely included. Overall, Red on the River is a disappointing narrative that offers very little for the reader to enjoy.
July 5, 2022
Wow, so many twists and turns. So hot. This was just a fantastic ride is mystery and adventure. This book has everything. I just loved it.
May 22, 2022
This second book in a new suspense series from Ms. Feenhan is a solid must-read for me. Whilst it isn't labeled as a series, this book contains friends from the Murder at Sunrise Lake. In this one, the majority of the book takes place in Vegas. Vienna is our main character who is awesome at winning poker games. Oddly, I just read about a real-life woman who switched over to poker games to make a living and makes a killing at it. This concept intrigued me. The current short blurb on Goodreads doesn't do the book justice. Honestly, I didn't read the blurb until after I read the book. It's Ms. Feehan who is an auto-read for me.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
To read the rest of my review, click on the image below to see it on my website.
May 13, 2022
Christine Feehan is a word wizard, and no matter what genre or trope she tackles, she leaves me spellbound. Red on the River is in the same world as Murder at Sunrise Lake. Both are standalones, and it took me a minute but I finally started recognizing characters I'd read before.
As the author's female characters tend to be, Vienna is a badass. Not only is she a gambler that rarely loses, but she's also a trauma nurse and heads up a search and rescue team. You can't get much more badass than that, right?
She and Zale crossed paths in the past and their connection was instant and unforgettable. Much to Vienna's dismay because he walked away from her and she can't forget the time they spent together. Imagine her surprise when he shows up at the hotel where she's competing in a high-profile poker competition.
In case you were wondering, the sparks are still flying between them. But the trust is missing. If he can walk away once what's to keep him from leaving again. Is she willing to give him another chance? Can she resist? Especially when he calls her Snowflake? Um...I know I couldn't.
Oh wait, I almost forgot the most important part. S-U-S-P-E-N-S-E. Yeah, buckle your harness and get ready for a ride. There's a touch of paranormal because nobody can write special gifts as this author can. I'm so curious and amazed by them, can't get enough. When her characters get a "feeling," so do I. She has me looking over my shoulder as I'm reading in bed to make sure I'm alone. It's like mental movie music that lets you know something is coming like when you're watching Jaws and hear the creeping dread sound.
So, to sum it up, there's romance and suspense, and to break up the tension there's girl time and hilarious banter to keep you laughing between sighing and gasping. And there are so many amazing characters that there's no doubt in my mind there will be more stories from Sunrise Lake. The line forms here...
As the author's female characters tend to be, Vienna is a badass. Not only is she a gambler that rarely loses, but she's also a trauma nurse and heads up a search and rescue team. You can't get much more badass than that, right?
She and Zale crossed paths in the past and their connection was instant and unforgettable. Much to Vienna's dismay because he walked away from her and she can't forget the time they spent together. Imagine her surprise when he shows up at the hotel where she's competing in a high-profile poker competition.
In case you were wondering, the sparks are still flying between them. But the trust is missing. If he can walk away once what's to keep him from leaving again. Is she willing to give him another chance? Can she resist? Especially when he calls her Snowflake? Um...I know I couldn't.
Oh wait, I almost forgot the most important part. S-U-S-P-E-N-S-E. Yeah, buckle your harness and get ready for a ride. There's a touch of paranormal because nobody can write special gifts as this author can. I'm so curious and amazed by them, can't get enough. When her characters get a "feeling," so do I. She has me looking over my shoulder as I'm reading in bed to make sure I'm alone. It's like mental movie music that lets you know something is coming like when you're watching Jaws and hear the creeping dread sound.
So, to sum it up, there's romance and suspense, and to break up the tension there's girl time and hilarious banter to keep you laughing between sighing and gasping. And there are so many amazing characters that there's no doubt in my mind there will be more stories from Sunrise Lake. The line forms here...
August 7, 2022
Red on the River connects with the first book, Murder on Sunrise Lake (featuring Sam and Stella) but it can be read as a stand alone book.
This time the action takes place in Vegas wherein the heroine, Vienna Mortensen, a trauma nurse by profession, is taking some time off to play in a high stakes poker tournament. This is where her path crosses a second with Zale Vizzini, a man who walked out of her life several months ago, after a whirlwind romance without explanation.
I loved the excitement of the high stakes poker game as well as the action involving the undercover work that brought Zale to Vegas.
Although I usually eschew second chance romances, Vienna and Zales’s second chance was well constructed as their relationship is rebuilt on trust. I prefer and appreciate this plot-driven story, showing a relationship grow rather than pages of explicit sex scenes.
Christine Feehan is such a versatile, and talented writer. I love seeing a beloved author expand and grow; Christine excels at creating new worlds and the reader can either follow the new path and/or bask in established series.
Suspense thrillers is one of my favorite genres and Red on the River delivers splendidly, with mystery and a hint of the paranormal, leaving me wanting more from the Sunrise Lake world.
This time the action takes place in Vegas wherein the heroine, Vienna Mortensen, a trauma nurse by profession, is taking some time off to play in a high stakes poker tournament. This is where her path crosses a second with Zale Vizzini, a man who walked out of her life several months ago, after a whirlwind romance without explanation.
I loved the excitement of the high stakes poker game as well as the action involving the undercover work that brought Zale to Vegas.
Although I usually eschew second chance romances, Vienna and Zales’s second chance was well constructed as their relationship is rebuilt on trust. I prefer and appreciate this plot-driven story, showing a relationship grow rather than pages of explicit sex scenes.
Christine Feehan is such a versatile, and talented writer. I love seeing a beloved author expand and grow; Christine excels at creating new worlds and the reader can either follow the new path and/or bask in established series.
Suspense thrillers is one of my favorite genres and Red on the River delivers splendidly, with mystery and a hint of the paranormal, leaving me wanting more from the Sunrise Lake world.
July 2, 2022
Page 51 DNF! First is this book part of a series? I don’t see that anywhere but betting Sam and Stella had a book, because I definitely feel like I’ve missed something.
The dialogue just does not work for me, at all. We know who you are talking to Zale, you don’t have to say Vienna every time.
Repeat repeat repeat… okay we know Vienna is head of search and rescue, doesn’t have to be restated, I’m on page 51, I didn’t forget already I promise you.
Vienna thinking to herself, Ellen is a powerful ally. Just a couple paragraphs later, Zale says “Ellen is a powerful ally”. Same exact words. Just doesn’t work for me.
I was really looking forward to a good romantic suspense this weekend, this will not be it for sure.
The dialogue just does not work for me, at all. We know who you are talking to Zale, you don’t have to say Vienna every time.
Repeat repeat repeat… okay we know Vienna is head of search and rescue, doesn’t have to be restated, I’m on page 51, I didn’t forget already I promise you.
Vienna thinking to herself, Ellen is a powerful ally. Just a couple paragraphs later, Zale says “Ellen is a powerful ally”. Same exact words. Just doesn’t work for me.
I was really looking forward to a good romantic suspense this weekend, this will not be it for sure.
July 5, 2023
For some reason unknown to me, the only series I like from Feehan is the Carpathian series. I have read sometimes even more than one book in other series and never continued them, for one reason or another. This then was already the second installment in a series that for me may as well end here. The characters are always beautiful women or at least particularly beautiful and intelligent or endowed with some super power and the men the alpha males members of some special paramilitary group. It is more than enough sincerely, especially since this book exceeded 300 pages and was full of unnecessary repetition and to lengthen the story the doubts of the female protagonist were always the same and still remain very valid since the answer of the male character was always: "we will overcome everything because I love you!" ..... I would say that is enough for this review.
Per qualche ragione a me sconosciuta, l'unica serie che mi piace della Feehan é quella dei carpaziani. Ho letto piú di un libro di altre serie e non le ho mai continuate, per un motivo o per un altro. Questo poi era giá il secondo di una serie che per me puó anche finire qui. I personaggi sono sempre donne bellissime o quanto meno particolarmente belle ed intelligenti o dotate di qualche super potere e gli uomini i maschi alfa membri di qualche speciale gruppo paramilitare. Anche basta sinceramente, specialmente perché questo libro superava le 300 pagine ed era pieno di ripetizioni inutili e per allungare la storia i dubbi della protagonista erano sempre gli stessi e restano comunque molto validi visto che la risposta del maschio in questione era sempre: supereremo tutto perché io ti amo..... Direi che é abbastanza per questa recensione.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Per qualche ragione a me sconosciuta, l'unica serie che mi piace della Feehan é quella dei carpaziani. Ho letto piú di un libro di altre serie e non le ho mai continuate, per un motivo o per un altro. Questo poi era giá il secondo di una serie che per me puó anche finire qui. I personaggi sono sempre donne bellissime o quanto meno particolarmente belle ed intelligenti o dotate di qualche super potere e gli uomini i maschi alfa membri di qualche speciale gruppo paramilitare. Anche basta sinceramente, specialmente perché questo libro superava le 300 pagine ed era pieno di ripetizioni inutili e per allungare la storia i dubbi della protagonista erano sempre gli stessi e restano comunque molto validi visto che la risposta del maschio in questione era sempre: supereremo tutto perché io ti amo..... Direi che é abbastanza per questa recensione.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
July 17, 2022
This was another fantastic romantic suspense full of excitement danger and mystery it has some paranormal elements to it as well this author is a favorite of mine for a reason I haven’t read anything by her that I haven’t loved yet and this was no different great plot amazing characters spicy romance this is another winner in my book!
October 4, 2022
Plot Twist, Suspense, Romance, Family Dynamic, Action
"It was six and a half weeks, and I don't want off the hook!"
Zale's Vizzini's declaration after seeing Vienna again and explaining to her why he left without a goodbye. Vienna Mortenson is in Las Vegas for a Gaming Tournament to win and raise money for the Knightly Hospital, and the Search and Rescue she runs in her County. While heading to her Suite at the Northern Lights Hotel, and Casino she runs into Zale Vizzini, and realizes he's undercover, and doesn't want her to acknowledge that they know each other. Later Zale explains that several of his fellow agents have gone missing after being assigned to protect the Casino owner Daniel J. Wallin, and he's been sent to investigate.
What happens next is that for some reason Vienna is being targeted for execution. Zale and his partner Rainier combine their investigation with protecting Vienna. Plot within plots, regarding Vienna, her childhood, her lineage, and why someone wants her dead are explored. With everything going on Zale tries to talk Vienna into giving him another chance regarding their relationship. Vienna resists because of trust issue. As the danger increases and Vienna, and her girlfriends come together in Nevada to celebrate Stella's bridal shower with hiking, bouldering, and river rafting they're unaware that they're being hunted. Truths are revealed by Raine on the return trip to Knightly, and with these revelations, Vienna the hunted becomes the huntress. But, will Vienna, and Zale be able to navigate the danger, and hurt in both of their lives and find lasting happiness together or will the sins of the father and vendettas destroy them both.
"It was six and a half weeks, and I don't want off the hook!"
Zale's Vizzini's declaration after seeing Vienna again and explaining to her why he left without a goodbye. Vienna Mortenson is in Las Vegas for a Gaming Tournament to win and raise money for the Knightly Hospital, and the Search and Rescue she runs in her County. While heading to her Suite at the Northern Lights Hotel, and Casino she runs into Zale Vizzini, and realizes he's undercover, and doesn't want her to acknowledge that they know each other. Later Zale explains that several of his fellow agents have gone missing after being assigned to protect the Casino owner Daniel J. Wallin, and he's been sent to investigate.
What happens next is that for some reason Vienna is being targeted for execution. Zale and his partner Rainier combine their investigation with protecting Vienna. Plot within plots, regarding Vienna, her childhood, her lineage, and why someone wants her dead are explored. With everything going on Zale tries to talk Vienna into giving him another chance regarding their relationship. Vienna resists because of trust issue. As the danger increases and Vienna, and her girlfriends come together in Nevada to celebrate Stella's bridal shower with hiking, bouldering, and river rafting they're unaware that they're being hunted. Truths are revealed by Raine on the return trip to Knightly, and with these revelations, Vienna the hunted becomes the huntress. But, will Vienna, and Zale be able to navigate the danger, and hurt in both of their lives and find lasting happiness together or will the sins of the father and vendettas destroy them both.
June 15, 2023
4.5 Stars!
I really enjoyed this book and it’s probably one of my absolute favorite books by this author now. I didn’t want it to end and I was also a little sad that the next book in the series (hopefully Shabina and Rainier if we’re lucky) wasn’t even being listed yet as coming soon. This is the second book in the Sunrise Lake series. It could be read as a standalone but of course it’s a richer reading experience when you start with book 1 and are already friendly with the cast of secondary characters who feature heavily in this book.
The premise is that nurse and poker prodigy, Vienna, likes to keep a low profile and stick to her outdoorsy mountain life. Yet when she’s invited to a prestigious poker competition I’m Las Vegas, she can’t resist the challenge. But what seems like a great opportunity puts her life in danger from unknown forces. It also doesn’t help as she runs into Zale, the operative who broke her heart months ago and yet who still has strong feelings for despite the dangers that swirl around him.
This felt more like a romance than the first book in the series primarily because the main couple’s romantic relationship was a significant aspect of the plot. The chemistry between them was palpable even if the spice level was low and the intimate scenes were closed door. I enjoyed this as a thriller and again, I’m usually a scaredy cat but this felt like quite a soothing read. I didn’t necessarily find the plot surprising or any of the big reveals shocking, but I still thought the execution was brilliant. I could hardly put this down and dreaded that it was coming to an end.
The only things I didn’t love were that I wish we had gotten a bit more of Vienna and Zale together because anytime they were on page together, I swooned. Then also, there was a lot of Poker-speak in parts of this in scenes I didn’t think had to be that lengthy especially as a reader who skimmed through to get to the point.
All in all, I adored it and it’s a new favourite. I can’t wait for the others in the series.
I really enjoyed this book and it’s probably one of my absolute favorite books by this author now. I didn’t want it to end and I was also a little sad that the next book in the series (hopefully Shabina and Rainier if we’re lucky) wasn’t even being listed yet as coming soon. This is the second book in the Sunrise Lake series. It could be read as a standalone but of course it’s a richer reading experience when you start with book 1 and are already friendly with the cast of secondary characters who feature heavily in this book.
The premise is that nurse and poker prodigy, Vienna, likes to keep a low profile and stick to her outdoorsy mountain life. Yet when she’s invited to a prestigious poker competition I’m Las Vegas, she can’t resist the challenge. But what seems like a great opportunity puts her life in danger from unknown forces. It also doesn’t help as she runs into Zale, the operative who broke her heart months ago and yet who still has strong feelings for despite the dangers that swirl around him.
This felt more like a romance than the first book in the series primarily because the main couple’s romantic relationship was a significant aspect of the plot. The chemistry between them was palpable even if the spice level was low and the intimate scenes were closed door. I enjoyed this as a thriller and again, I’m usually a scaredy cat but this felt like quite a soothing read. I didn’t necessarily find the plot surprising or any of the big reveals shocking, but I still thought the execution was brilliant. I could hardly put this down and dreaded that it was coming to an end.
The only things I didn’t love were that I wish we had gotten a bit more of Vienna and Zale together because anytime they were on page together, I swooned. Then also, there was a lot of Poker-speak in parts of this in scenes I didn’t think had to be that lengthy especially as a reader who skimmed through to get to the point.
All in all, I adored it and it’s a new favourite. I can’t wait for the others in the series.
June 28, 2022
Vienna Mortenson is in Las Vegas for a live, high stakes Poker Tournament when she sees Zale Vizzini again. The two had met several months ago when there was a serial killer on the loose in Knightly. Vienna is a nurse and also helps with Search and Rescue. She is also originally from Las Vegas but relocated to Knightly when she and her mother had a nasty argument. Vienna’s plans are to win lots of money for her hospital and the search and rescue team and also to reconcile with her mother. She has zero plans to let Zale back into her life.
Zale Vizzini is in town with his partner, Rainier investigating the disappearance of several agents who had been sent to protect the owner of the casino, Daniel Wallin. They are, of course, undercover. It doesn’t take long for him to discover that his case and Vienna are somehow connected.
This book has it all. The action of a high stakes poker tournament, the mystery of Vienna’s childhood, the mystery of the missing agents and the mystery of the Northern Lights Hotel and Casino. Red on the River brings all of this together and reveals how they are all connected. Oh, and can’t forget the relationship between Vienna and Zale plus Vienna and her friends from Knightly who come for Stella Harrisons’ bridal adventure.
Do Vienna and Zale reconnect? Do Vienna and her mother reconcile? Do Stella and Sam get married? To get the answers to these questions and many more, you will have to read Red on the River. Hurry to your nearest brick and mortar or online bookseller and get your copy.
Zale Vizzini is in town with his partner, Rainier investigating the disappearance of several agents who had been sent to protect the owner of the casino, Daniel Wallin. They are, of course, undercover. It doesn’t take long for him to discover that his case and Vienna are somehow connected.
This book has it all. The action of a high stakes poker tournament, the mystery of Vienna’s childhood, the mystery of the missing agents and the mystery of the Northern Lights Hotel and Casino. Red on the River brings all of this together and reveals how they are all connected. Oh, and can’t forget the relationship between Vienna and Zale plus Vienna and her friends from Knightly who come for Stella Harrisons’ bridal adventure.
Do Vienna and Zale reconnect? Do Vienna and her mother reconcile? Do Stella and Sam get married? To get the answers to these questions and many more, you will have to read Red on the River. Hurry to your nearest brick and mortar or online bookseller and get your copy.
August 17, 2022
Christine Feehan sets the scene in “ Red On The River” as surgical nurse, Head of Search and Rescue for Inyo County and online gambler Vienna Mortenson enters a card tournament in Las Vegas. Tension and suspense quickly escalate when she reunites with undercover agent Zale Vizzini, the man she thought had rejected her after a brief but intense encounter, and his partner Rainier sent to undercover the whereabouts of two missing secret operatives and to protect David Wallin, owner of the hotel and casino where the championship is being held.
The action and mystery heats up with attacks on Zale, Rainier and Vienna at the hotel while even following her after the tournament on a bachelorette trip hiking, kayaking and climbing before the wedding of her friend Stella Harlow. The plot is complex, detailed and often informative with even a glossary of poker and climbing terms at the end. Amid all the mystery and intense danger, the romance heats up again between Vienna, a woman with trust issues and Zale who wants her back permanently.
Adding to the excitement and strength of the story are a host of multi-faceted characters like the complicated , secretive and tough Zale Vizzini; his hard-nosed partner Rainier; the pragmatic, stubborn and strong-willed Vienna Mortensen; and her outdoorsy girlfriends, each with secrets in their pasts. With strength in plot and characterizations the story quickly and seamlessly flows to a surprising climax with possible clues to future romances between Raine O'Mallory and Rush as well as Shabina Knightly and Rainier.
I enjoyed “Red On The River” as danger man-made and natural stalks the agents, Vienna and her girlfriends and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
The action and mystery heats up with attacks on Zale, Rainier and Vienna at the hotel while even following her after the tournament on a bachelorette trip hiking, kayaking and climbing before the wedding of her friend Stella Harlow. The plot is complex, detailed and often informative with even a glossary of poker and climbing terms at the end. Amid all the mystery and intense danger, the romance heats up again between Vienna, a woman with trust issues and Zale who wants her back permanently.
Adding to the excitement and strength of the story are a host of multi-faceted characters like the complicated , secretive and tough Zale Vizzini; his hard-nosed partner Rainier; the pragmatic, stubborn and strong-willed Vienna Mortensen; and her outdoorsy girlfriends, each with secrets in their pasts. With strength in plot and characterizations the story quickly and seamlessly flows to a surprising climax with possible clues to future romances between Raine O'Mallory and Rush as well as Shabina Knightly and Rainier.
I enjoyed “Red On The River” as danger man-made and natural stalks the agents, Vienna and her girlfriends and look forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 23, 2023
This book is the latest in the Author's stand alone contemporary , paranormal thrillers , a total different genre to her usual paranormal/ fantasy series .
Vienna Mortenson leads a Search and Rescue team but has a secret side-line - she is a successful online gambler , using her winnings to support her community .
When she is offered a seat at a high stakes gambling venue she has to turn up in person , is there an ulterior motive to the invitation ?
Matters are further complicated when she sees an ex lover working undercover , a man she feels more for than she should - he could break her heart all over again .
Vienna navigates the various rounds , winning her way to the final game but throughout incidents have occurred - her life is in danger for she has a "gift" that someone wants to exploit .
She needs Zane's help-her survival is at stake ,
This is a brilliant fast paced, character driven paranormal thriller which draws the reader in from the first to last page
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
Vienna Mortenson leads a Search and Rescue team but has a secret side-line - she is a successful online gambler , using her winnings to support her community .
When she is offered a seat at a high stakes gambling venue she has to turn up in person , is there an ulterior motive to the invitation ?
Matters are further complicated when she sees an ex lover working undercover , a man she feels more for than she should - he could break her heart all over again .
Vienna navigates the various rounds , winning her way to the final game but throughout incidents have occurred - her life is in danger for she has a "gift" that someone wants to exploit .
She needs Zane's help-her survival is at stake ,
This is a brilliant fast paced, character driven paranormal thriller which draws the reader in from the first to last page
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own
July 1, 2022
Overall this was a good story just not what I wanted from my Steam Queen Christine.
While this is a standalone, I realized very early on that there was a previous book (one I haven’t read) as I was confused by some references and you learn that Vienna and Zale have history. I hope the spicy part of their relationship was more descriptive in the first book because the chemistry between the two of them here was pretty bland which was disappointing. The story is also overloaded with too many descriptions—even the conversations among Vienna’s friends were way more detailed than I’m custom to in books. That said, the storyline was engaging enough that I skimmed around to see how it all ended.
While this is a standalone, I realized very early on that there was a previous book (one I haven’t read) as I was confused by some references and you learn that Vienna and Zale have history. I hope the spicy part of their relationship was more descriptive in the first book because the chemistry between the two of them here was pretty bland which was disappointing. The story is also overloaded with too many descriptions—even the conversations among Vienna’s friends were way more detailed than I’m custom to in books. That said, the storyline was engaging enough that I skimmed around to see how it all ended.
October 7, 2022
I’m a Christine Feehan fan so easy to grab her books! Easy relaxing read set in the Sierra Mountains and Yosemite. Story easy to follow only gripe was the conclusion was a little rushed in my opinion but a perfect relaxing read.
July 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I would have like more of a story between the two main characters, we could see the connection there, but it felt too easy. She just accepted it, there wasn’t a really strong romantic connection. I hope there is more to this story, does she meet her dad, what happens to the casino? Do her friends end up with other ghosts. I definitely feel the first book had me on the edge of my seat more, but this was still a fun read. What an awesome group of girls friends they are.
August 12, 2022
Dnf. The poker hands were not realistic at all and I was so bored. I got to around 40%
December 27, 2022
This book was interesting! You also add in a pinch of paranormal because of the psychic gift! But, she certainly seems to have danger on her tail, no matter where she goes. She can feel it and knows something bad is going to happen. The romance is a second chance type story, so if you like that, you will like these two for sure! I did think it was a bit longer than necessary, which made the book feel slow at times.
3.5 stars!
3.5 stars!
August 2, 2022
>Book Review – Red on the River
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Sunrise Lake series and ends with an HEA. Vienna is a psychic who can visualize through objects. This ability makes her the perfect card shark. She usually plays poker on-line and donates a lot of her winnings in order to make up for the fact she is cheating to win them. Out of character, Vienna participates in a high stakes poker tournament in Vegas. She will couple her visit with an “outdoor adventure” bachelorette party for Stella (from book 1).
>A lot goes on in Vegas. There is a 2nd chance romance with “the one that got away”, Vale. Vale is a special ops operative who used to work with Sam (from book 1). The plot is suspenseful and what exactly Vale is doing is unclear to all. All Vienna know is that someone is trying to kill someone in the bachelorette party, or Vale. I felt the plot really slowed down a few times where extreme detail was used to describe the poker games Vienna played and the bouldering the women did for fun. I appreciate the author using realistic terms, but they were very unfamiliar, and I didn’t realize there was a glossary at the end of the book. I felt like the characters spoke a new language for a while. Some specific terms and some generic terms would have worked better, I think. The reader also did not need to visualize each of the women climbing the boulder. May be just one or two would have sufficed.
>I loved the wedding scene between Stella and Sam. The new operatives were interesting as well. Vale and Vienna have a real love/hate relationship. Vale decides he is all in and goes all Alpha on Vienna. Vienna forgives him a lot, but REALLY forgives him for his deceit in Vegas. I’m not sure that lie of omission was forgivable.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. The romance is rated ‘G’. I love how close the women are. All of their personalities are very different, yet they all bring something to the table.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the Sunrise Lake series and ends with an HEA. Vienna is a psychic who can visualize through objects. This ability makes her the perfect card shark. She usually plays poker on-line and donates a lot of her winnings in order to make up for the fact she is cheating to win them. Out of character, Vienna participates in a high stakes poker tournament in Vegas. She will couple her visit with an “outdoor adventure” bachelorette party for Stella (from book 1).
>A lot goes on in Vegas. There is a 2nd chance romance with “the one that got away”, Vale. Vale is a special ops operative who used to work with Sam (from book 1). The plot is suspenseful and what exactly Vale is doing is unclear to all. All Vienna know is that someone is trying to kill someone in the bachelorette party, or Vale. I felt the plot really slowed down a few times where extreme detail was used to describe the poker games Vienna played and the bouldering the women did for fun. I appreciate the author using realistic terms, but they were very unfamiliar, and I didn’t realize there was a glossary at the end of the book. I felt like the characters spoke a new language for a while. Some specific terms and some generic terms would have worked better, I think. The reader also did not need to visualize each of the women climbing the boulder. May be just one or two would have sufficed.
>I loved the wedding scene between Stella and Sam. The new operatives were interesting as well. Vale and Vienna have a real love/hate relationship. Vale decides he is all in and goes all Alpha on Vienna. Vienna forgives him a lot, but REALLY forgives him for his deceit in Vegas. I’m not sure that lie of omission was forgivable.
>This book is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. The romance is rated ‘G’. I love how close the women are. All of their personalities are very different, yet they all bring something to the table.
June 18, 2022
3.5 STARS
Outdoorswoman, ER and surgical nurse, and consummate online poker player, Vienna Mortenson has come to Sin City to play in a tournament for extremely high stakes. She uses much of her winnings to fund the local search and rescue in her Sierras town as well as heading it up. Vienna is surprised to find that the man who loved her for a brief time and left her is staying in the same luxury hotel while working undercover. Vienna has no time for a man who scraped her off without a looking back. Vienna has a preternatural skill at playing poker that puts her in the cross-hairs of some very nasty people who take exception to her winnings.
Zale Vizzini works undercover ops in a job that constantly puts his life on the line. Although he left Vienna without a word since, Zale has been trying to figure out a way for them to be together; however, first he must convince Vienna of his sincerity. Zale knows some important things about Vienna that he cannot reveal because of the cone of secrecy under which he works. Those secrets, his job, and past behavior make it difficult for Vienna to trust Zale especially since she has been indoctrinated against trusting men from an early age.
Clearly someone wishes Vienna harm and as she goes up higher in the contest winning round after round, more unexplained and dangerous things begin happening to her. Zale is determined to keep Vienna safe yet his very job puts her at risk. After the tournament, Vienna plans to do a lot of hiking, bouldering, camping and kayaking with her equally outdoorsy friends before one of them gets married later in the week. It is no surprise that trouble continues to dog her steps in a very deadly way.
While Ms. Feehan is a skilled storyteller this book bogs down in the overly detailed information about professional poker games as well as all the outdoor activities the women engage in back to back. Surprisingly for this author, all the intimacy in the story takes place behind closed doors. One small annoyance is that two characters have name almost the same: Raine and Rainier which gets a little confusing when they are both talking. This book is considered to be a standalone; however, the main characters are first introduced in Murder at Sunrise Lake which is the bride to be, Stella’s story.
Outdoorswoman, ER and surgical nurse, and consummate online poker player, Vienna Mortenson has come to Sin City to play in a tournament for extremely high stakes. She uses much of her winnings to fund the local search and rescue in her Sierras town as well as heading it up. Vienna is surprised to find that the man who loved her for a brief time and left her is staying in the same luxury hotel while working undercover. Vienna has no time for a man who scraped her off without a looking back. Vienna has a preternatural skill at playing poker that puts her in the cross-hairs of some very nasty people who take exception to her winnings.
Zale Vizzini works undercover ops in a job that constantly puts his life on the line. Although he left Vienna without a word since, Zale has been trying to figure out a way for them to be together; however, first he must convince Vienna of his sincerity. Zale knows some important things about Vienna that he cannot reveal because of the cone of secrecy under which he works. Those secrets, his job, and past behavior make it difficult for Vienna to trust Zale especially since she has been indoctrinated against trusting men from an early age.
Clearly someone wishes Vienna harm and as she goes up higher in the contest winning round after round, more unexplained and dangerous things begin happening to her. Zale is determined to keep Vienna safe yet his very job puts her at risk. After the tournament, Vienna plans to do a lot of hiking, bouldering, camping and kayaking with her equally outdoorsy friends before one of them gets married later in the week. It is no surprise that trouble continues to dog her steps in a very deadly way.
While Ms. Feehan is a skilled storyteller this book bogs down in the overly detailed information about professional poker games as well as all the outdoor activities the women engage in back to back. Surprisingly for this author, all the intimacy in the story takes place behind closed doors. One small annoyance is that two characters have name almost the same: Raine and Rainier which gets a little confusing when they are both talking. This book is considered to be a standalone; however, the main characters are first introduced in Murder at Sunrise Lake which is the bride to be, Stella’s story.
June 10, 2022
While not listed as part of a series, RED ON THE RIVER stars many of the same characters as the author's recent MURDER AT SUNRISE LAKE. This time the band of fast friends are getting ready to celebrate Stella's wedding by taking part in lots of outdoor adventures that are on her wishlist. But first, Vienna Mortenson is scheduled to play in a big poker tournament in Las Vegas.
Vienna Mortenson is a surgical nurse, head of her county's search and rescue, beautiful and brilliant and has a psychic gift that lets her see what cards her opponents have which makes it easy for her to win big bucks at poker. She usually plays online using the money to support her hospital and the local search and rescue efforts along with building her own retirement nest egg.
Zale Vizzini met Vienna during the first case and then they had a six-week romance while spending time camping. Then he disappeared back to his secret life as an undercover operative breaking Vienna's heart. Now he's back investigating in the same hotel where Vienna is and wants to get back together. But he's keeping secrets which doesn't incline Vienna to want to take a second chance on him.
However, as Vienna becomes the target of someone who wants her dead, she needs to depend on Zale and her girl pack to survive.
It isn't often that one reads a romantic suspense title with a glossary, but this story had two. First of all, there were rather complete depictions of the Texas Hold Em tournament games with its required vocabulary. Second, the specific vocabulary of rock climbing was used when the girls began their outdoor adventures for stella's pre-wedding adventures.
Fans of Feehan's work with likely enjoy this story despite the fact that the girl pack is all filled with larger-than-life characters - beautiful, brilliant, talented in many ways but with secrets that give them a hint of vulnerability. I also had a little problem with Vienna's psychic gift. While I could accept her gift in face-to-face poker games, I had more trouble believing that her talent as described would work in an online environment. Suspend disbelief and read this one for the adventure and for the romance.
Vienna Mortenson is a surgical nurse, head of her county's search and rescue, beautiful and brilliant and has a psychic gift that lets her see what cards her opponents have which makes it easy for her to win big bucks at poker. She usually plays online using the money to support her hospital and the local search and rescue efforts along with building her own retirement nest egg.
Zale Vizzini met Vienna during the first case and then they had a six-week romance while spending time camping. Then he disappeared back to his secret life as an undercover operative breaking Vienna's heart. Now he's back investigating in the same hotel where Vienna is and wants to get back together. But he's keeping secrets which doesn't incline Vienna to want to take a second chance on him.
However, as Vienna becomes the target of someone who wants her dead, she needs to depend on Zale and her girl pack to survive.
It isn't often that one reads a romantic suspense title with a glossary, but this story had two. First of all, there were rather complete depictions of the Texas Hold Em tournament games with its required vocabulary. Second, the specific vocabulary of rock climbing was used when the girls began their outdoor adventures for stella's pre-wedding adventures.
Fans of Feehan's work with likely enjoy this story despite the fact that the girl pack is all filled with larger-than-life characters - beautiful, brilliant, talented in many ways but with secrets that give them a hint of vulnerability. I also had a little problem with Vienna's psychic gift. While I could accept her gift in face-to-face poker games, I had more trouble believing that her talent as described would work in an online environment. Suspend disbelief and read this one for the adventure and for the romance.
June 29, 2022
Red on the River is a wickedly brilliant and devastatingly touching journey of living life in the most raw and honest way. This story will dismantle your heart in the most gentle and yet sharpest of ways. Nothing is off limits, and yet you won't want it any other way. If only each of us were as transparent and true as the extraordinary characters in this marvelous story then the world we live in would be a much different and better version.
Vienna has a very small but good life. She loves her job, and has the best friends a woman could ever ask for. She is working to repair her relationship with her mother, and then things will be perfect. Ok, so things wouldn't be perfect, but maybe closer to near perfect at least. Zale found the perfect and only woman for him at the most unexpected moment, but his job forced him to leave her for a time. Now with that job done, he is determined to win her back once and for all. Will Vienna be able to trust Zale again, or will she walk away knowing that things will never work out?
What an amazing couple Vienna and Zale make! I was blown away with just how well they complimebt the other. It gave me goose bumps seeing how they move to a beautiful rhythm together without even thinking about it.Their hearts are inexplicably drawn to the other, and no amount of fighting their chemistry ever wins in the end. They are truly the missing half of the other. What a beautiful sight to behold and feel! It is beyond compare since it is on such a visceral level.
Christine Feehan has turned my world upside with this visiously heart-stopping and wonderfully mind-blowing romantic thriller! I love the continuation of this new series. It is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Nothing brightens up an already amazing story like a collection of unforgettable characters like the ones found in this sizzling work of art. I am dying to read the next book in this series! It is sure to be another outstanding winner.
Vienna has a very small but good life. She loves her job, and has the best friends a woman could ever ask for. She is working to repair her relationship with her mother, and then things will be perfect. Ok, so things wouldn't be perfect, but maybe closer to near perfect at least. Zale found the perfect and only woman for him at the most unexpected moment, but his job forced him to leave her for a time. Now with that job done, he is determined to win her back once and for all. Will Vienna be able to trust Zale again, or will she walk away knowing that things will never work out?
What an amazing couple Vienna and Zale make! I was blown away with just how well they complimebt the other. It gave me goose bumps seeing how they move to a beautiful rhythm together without even thinking about it.Their hearts are inexplicably drawn to the other, and no amount of fighting their chemistry ever wins in the end. They are truly the missing half of the other. What a beautiful sight to behold and feel! It is beyond compare since it is on such a visceral level.
Christine Feehan has turned my world upside with this visiously heart-stopping and wonderfully mind-blowing romantic thriller! I love the continuation of this new series. It is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Nothing brightens up an already amazing story like a collection of unforgettable characters like the ones found in this sizzling work of art. I am dying to read the next book in this series! It is sure to be another outstanding winner.
December 5, 2023
This was a definite C Feehan book , bossy men , and smart beautiful women, who push them to their limits. The story revolves around a group of ladies, a poker tournament, a group of thugs connected to the mafia in some way, and a wedding bridal week shower of activities, and a missing heir. Stella, and Sam are getting married, and his friends are in Vegas undercover while Vienna plays in a poker tournament. She has some psychic abilities, and knows when people are after her, but not why. There are also agents being killed, and your not sure if the owner of the Casino is a victim, or the one behind all the murders. Zale, and Rainer are also called in undercover to take out who is doing the killing. One of the girls are in the government, and several can shoot and carry guns. Lots of action, but not a paranormal action thriller.. I really liked all the characters, and couples, but for smart , talented, and decisive ladies they make some dumb decisions. I know the bride is an out door girl, so they climb boulders, ride bikes, and go mountain climbing in the Sierra’s. Yet wouldn’t you call a halt if someone was shooting at you during your outings? Even after an accident was rigged, they plan another outing. They enjoyed drinking, and food, and each other’s company. Why not stay in one big suite, and be protected. Even when they learn one of them is the target they plan a several day hike. Seriously. !!! I stayed with it to make sure the wedding was on, and the other ladies though hurt, were safe. The ending let’s you know more books are on the way. Plus if you don’t follow poker you won’t really like the first quarter of the book. The same with every outdoor sport explained in detail. I gave it 4. It could have easily been a five , if the ladies were not so determined ,to do as they pleased. Then having to have rescues, and lots of long talks. Lots of talk with each other, and with their partners, who are in the government.
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