A new romantic suspense series that is sure to keep you intrigued and turning the pages. I am a big fan of this author and was excited to read this story. It has romance, suspense and twists that you do not see coming. A great storyline with characters I need more of. Every time I thought I figured it out she would through a curveball and I was back to guessing. This is one series you do not want to miss out on and needs to be on your TBR list.

2.5 Stars
I'm obviously in the minority, but this book just didn't do,it for me. I've read many of this author's other books and enjoyed them, but this was a miss for me. I didn't like the hiding/reveal of the suspect, or rather, how it was done. I didn't care for Serenity particularly so I wasn't really invested. Just meh for me.

Katie Reus is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. This first book in a new series is romantic suspense at it's best. Serenity is a strong and compelling female character. Lucas is a sweet, strong, and sexy male character who is the perfect compliment to Serenity. The mystery is full of suspense and keeps you guessing until the reveal, which I got wrong. The rest of the cast of characters are every bit as interesting as the two main ones. I can't wait for the next book!

Katie Reus has once again plunged her readers into a new series but this time there are no hero SEALS to save the day. This is a romantic mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end and the heroine has to do some fast thinking to save herself and her friends

Savannah and Serenity Washington, twin sisters, who were as close as could be only to be separated forever by a madman. The serial killer, Michael Black, kidnapped both Savannah and Serenity from their dorm room on campus in Verona Bay. Serenity escaped but Savannah never made it out alive. Eight years later Serenity has suffered further tragedy but has come home to put her life together and give her daughter, Harper, a sense of community and home that her small town gave her until hell rocked her world.

Unbeknownst to Serenity, in the shadows of her life, someone has been watching and waiting to finish what Michael Black began, starting with her friends and ending with Serenity. It’s a race against time for Serenity, Lucas Jordan, the man who loves her, and FBI agent Amy Lin to find and stop the new threat who is connected to the Michael Black murders more than anyone could’ve ever imagined.

This ARC was given to me by the publisher for my honest review.

Lucas has wanted Serenity for a while, but the single mother keeps everyone at a distance. She has been through a lot in her life, and has convinced herself that being fully self reliant is the only way to overcome her past. She doesn't want to depend on Lucas or anyone else, however, when her past begins to reign down terror on her whole town, she needs all the help she can get to stay safe and protect her daughter. Lucas is ready to give her what she needs and patiently wait for what he wants.

This story had plenty of suspense and kept me guessing as to who the killer was until the end. I had my sights set on someone completely different. I would have liked more heat factor, but based on Serenity's somewhat close off personality, it felt accurate to take things slower.

I received an ARC from Net Galley for honest review.

A thrilling start to the Verona Bay series. Dark Memento is an engrossing romantic suspense with action, twists and a whodunnit that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. I will be recommending and looking to read more.

Dark Memento by Katie Reus

Action packed romantic suspense. 1st in the Verona Bay series.
Keeps you guessing and on the edge through the end. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

For the second time, a serial killer is after Serenity. The killer is hiding in plain sight and threatening Serenity’s closest friends. The FBI and Lucas keep Serenity protected but those closest could be in deadly danger.
Serenity is hesitant to let Lucas become more than a friend. He is willing to wait until she’s ready. So sweet.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to keep.

Title: Dark Memento
Series: Verona Bay Book #1
Stand Alone Title: yes
Author: Katie Reus
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Blurb: Welcome to Verona Bay, a small coastal town where the secrets just won’t stay buried—and people aren’t always who they seem.

She was the one that got away…

Eight years ago Serenity Washington watched as her twin sister was murdered. She was lucky to escape the same grisly fate. With her sister’s killer in jail, she relocated and tried to move on with her life. She married a man in the Air Force and started a family, but when her husband dies unexpectedly she moves back to the last place she remembers being happy—Verona Bay, FL.

Now that she’s come home, it’s all starting again…

Within months of Serenity’s homecoming, she receives a ‘gift’—a bracelet from her sister that was never recovered after her death—and a taunting note. Terrified for herself and her young daughter, she turns to the local sheriff for help. But there’s only so much they can do without proof that the gifts aren’t more than sick pranks. There’s been no DNA, no fingerprints left behind—nothing to indicate who’s leaving them. As the horrifying gifts arrive with increasing frequency, Serenity has no doubt that she’s the ultimate target. But with her sister’s murderer—a confessed serial killer—still behind bars, she has no idea who’s stalking her.

She turns to the one man she’s been trying to keep her distance from…

Former Marine Lucas Jordan has been hung up on single mom Serenity since she moved back to Verona Bay, but she’s made it clear she’s not looking for a relationship. When she’s targeted, however, all bets are off. He won’t sit by while she’s terrorized, and with her and her daughter’s lives in danger he’s prepared to stand his ground and protect them both. Together they face the impossible task of trying to figure out who to trust before they all wind up six feet under.

Favorite quote(s): “What should I say? I don’t want to tell people the truth.”
“You can just tell people we’re dating.” He wanted to be, anyway, Okay, he wanted more than dating.
“I’m not going to do that to you.”
“Do what to me? Have the town think I’m dating a smart, successful, beautiful woman? Oh no, the horror.” He gave her a dry look.
Thoughts: Katie Reus is one of my automatic-buy authors for sure. Her words are gold – you literally can’t pick up a book of hers without loving it. I have to admit, I had a little pause – just a little – when I grabbed this one, since it is a little different from her norm. If it had been another author I’m sure it would have lingered in my TBR list for a while. Trusting Katie Reus, however, I started in with high expectations – and (as always) she did not let me down.
Dark Memento is captivating and thrilling and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I loved the characters – Reus always manages to write such great male characters that know what they want and wait, just biding their time to wedge their way into the female’s life. She manages to portray that yearning, though, that desire to be more that just draws me in to her books so completely. Not to mention her way of weaving a story! Dark Memento has a depth to it and a more complex story than her usual books, but Reus pulled this off without a hitch.
Another favorite for me! Can’t wait to see where the rest of the series goes!
Rating: A+

This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I didn't want to put it down! I thought I figured out who the killer was twice and I was completely wrong. I loved it!

Serenity was a strong woman. She survived being kidnapped, losing her twin, her husband, and now being targeted again. I instantly liked her and continued to be amazed at how strong she was, even when she was breaking down.

Lucas was the perfect choice for her. He was caring, hard working, and most importantly protective but not controlling. I really enjoyed their relationship.

I can't wait to see what will be happening in Verona Bay in the next book.

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.*

Wow. My first book by this author and definitely not my last. This book hooked me from the prologue. Such raw Emotion.
This book had everything, mystery, romance, small town and I definitely recommend it

It has been eight years since the murder and torture of her twin sister. Serenity is moving back to her hometown where it happened. She's coming back as a 3idow and a mother. A lit of baggage to carry.
On her car she finds an envelope with the charm bracelet her twin had been wearing when she was murdered. All the jewelry taken from the victim's had never been found. Now she has. This memento on her car. Someone is out to get her. The killer had been put in jail. Everyone thought he had an accomplice. Someone who she doesn't expect, someone who is a friend, someone close.
A romance thriller. Good storyline.

Katie Reus is one of my favourite authors and with this new series she looks like she will have another hit on her hands

The story centres around Serenity Washington and Lucas Jordan she is a single mum who has just returned to Verona Bay after years away She didn't leave of her own free will eight years ago she and her twin sister where kidnapped by a serial killer Serenity was rescued but her twin sister didn't survive Now she has returned with her daughter to the town she grew up in because her air force husband has died unexpectedly. Now her nightmare is starting all over again she keeps receiving gifts things that belonged to her sister and where never recovered she knows they can't be from her sisters killer as he is still in jail. Former Marine Lucas Jordan has been deeply attracted to the single mum ever since she moved into Verona bay but she has no intention of starting a new relationship but when things escalate in her life she turns to the local sheriff who just happens to be Lucas's brother. His brothers hands are tied there is no indication where the memento's are coming from their is no DNA and no leads Lucas will step up to keep both Serenity and her daughter safe and he will do whatever he needs to Will he lose the woman who means so much to him or can he keep her safe and will she let down her walls enough to let another man into her and her daughters life.

Dark Memento is a good engrossing romantic suspense read. SOlid plot kept me hooked as well as interesting characters. ANother winner

Great start to the Verona Bay series! Here we meet Serenity Washington who has moved back to her hometown after a horrific history there. She’s got a great business, friends, and Lucas who’d like to be more than friends. This story has everything I look for - dead body ✔️, twisted killer that I couldn’t guess ✔️, a hottie love interest ✔️, and a fast paced, action filled story right to the end ✔️ ! I can’t wait for what’s next in Verona Bay!

*ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

Serenity Washington escaped from a Serial Killer who killed her twin sister. Almost a decade later, Serenity has returned to her hometown and someone is taunting her with the murders and killing her friends.

The story wasn’t bad but it didn’t really grab my attention. Maybe it is because too much information was given too early. You knew the person was a partner of Black’s from the beginning and that it was a woman. It isn’t hard to figure out that she is related to Black although the identity of the person at least wasn’t too obvious.

A big thank you to NetGalley and KR Press, LLC for the ARC. I am voluntarily reviewing this book. This is as suspense romance, mystery. I enjoyed the book. I felt so bad for the lead character Serenity. She just couldn't catch a break. Lucas was fun, with flaws. Serenity has amazing courage and reslient. Good read. 3.5 stars

This was yet another hit by Katie Reus. I really love her books.

You immediately get sucked in the story. Serenity is the sole survivor of a serial killer. Unfortunately her twin sister doesn't make it. The killer is captured and is on death row.
She's a widow now and moved with her little girl to her home town where she owns a pet groom shop.
Lucas is a retired marine who wants to be more than good friends. He's kind and gentle, and knows not to push.
When Serenity starts getting memento's and threats Lucas is her rock and protector.

There is suspense, mystery and off course romance. The characters are great.

This is a great start to a new series. I hope we get Lincoln's book next 😉

4.5 stars

I recently got into Katie Reus and I'm obsessed. I'm currently working through her backlog of books. I saw this on NetGalley and I couldn't resist it.

I love the way she writes her heroes. They're some of my favorite book boyfriends. Lucas was no exception. He wasn't toxic or overbearing. Nor was he an asshole. I read a lot of romance and I'm pretty tired of the assholes.

Katie writes her heroines really well too. They're strong and not stupid. Serenity wasn't my favorite heroine (that probably goes to Skye at this point) but she was surprisingly well adjusted despite what she went through. Which is why her hot and cold routine didn't bother me. There was a reason for it.

The suspense and mystery really made this book for me more than the romance. It kept me guessing until the end. It was the reason my rating is so high.

I definitely recommend this book to people who love romantic suspense. Katie Reus is one of the top authors in the genre for me.


*ARC provided by NetGalley*

I thought that this was an absolutely excellent book!!

I was hooked right from the outset and I found that the book had very well developed characters, was full of action and it was a gripping plot.

I found the writing style easy to read and the story was straight to the point. I have read a few books by Katie now and they have all been excellent.

I thought that the book flowed very well and it was one I found hard to put down as I just wanted to carry on reading to see how it would end, I thought it was a really good thriller.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I thought it was an excellent story - very highly recommended and this is an author that I am really starting to love following and can't wait to see what she releases next!!

The book opens with Savannah and her twin sister Serenity. They’re strapped to makeshift wooden tables on a small cabin. Kidnapped by the serial killer Michael Black.

Savannah dies but Serenity escapes and Black is captured. He’s spending life behind bars and Serenity is moving on with her life. Well she’s trying her best. She’ll never escape the nightmares and the torment of losing her twin.

She’s now a mother and a widow. Years after the disaster that changed her life she moves back to Verona Bay. Serenity has her own pet grooming business. Her daughter Harper is settled in school and life is normal. That is until she finds a piece of jewellery under the windscreen of her car. It’s jewellery that was taken from them when they were kidnapped. It was never returned until now.

People connected to Serenity are being murdered or taken. The nightmare is starting up again but Black is still behind bars so who’s responsible?

This started strong and kept going. I thought I had it all figured out but I’m so happy to say I didn’t.

I absolutely loved Lucas. He was brilliant and patient. He knew he wanted Serenity but also knew he couldn’t push.

This is a great little read. I’ve found this author never lets me down. Now I’m just waiting for the next one.


I voluntarily read a review copy kindly provided by NetGalley.