Hidden Love by Cara Putman Series: Hidden Justice #.25
Published by Whisper Valley Press LLP on December 11, 2017
Genres: Fiction / Romance / General, Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
Format: Audiobook
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What's supposed to be a relaxing geocaching adventure in the spectacular Lake of the Ozarks area of Missouri turns into a race for her life for Reagan Graham. A woman who has always played it safe, doing things by the book aren't working for her any more. Then she meets her brother's frat brother Colton Ryan, a guy who has his life mapped out, too. Before she can decide if he might be the man for her, a shadow from her past is back¿and quickly closing in. Can they figure out who the shadow is before he takes her or worse?
Hidden Love is like a prequel prequel to the Hidden Justice series by Cara Putman. It’s a novella I literally listened to in an afternoon and carries all the hallmarks of a novella that drive me crazy, but keep me coming back, as so many authors do it right most of the time . . . Set in the Missouri Ozarks, specifically Osage Beach, I felt at home. But I always wonder why everyone goes to Lake of the Ozarks for settings around here, as there are so many less stereotypical locations in My Ozarks than here. Well, there or Branson. Hit me up, ya’ll, I’ll give you so many fun settings that are less touristy and stereotypical!
I love a novella that doesn’t try too much. I wish there was a bit more backstory on the stalker situation, as I felt a bit lost about why they were escaping St. Louis for the summer, but I was able to piece it together. Solid suspense, again the perfect balance for a novella that didn’t try to be too big but was great throughout, with a surprising resolution. That twist . . . you need to read or listen to this one, as that twist was amazing for the story I got! Even the romance didn’t feel too much. I mean, it did at first as it came out of nowhere, but it wasn’t rushed once it was just thrust into the story. I could’ve taken it all without that feature here.
Fun side quest was the story built around geocaching, I mean, OK, it was also built around a stalker, but ya know, a great way to create more depth to the story. In 2017, geocaching was super popular. And listening all these years later, as social media is kicking geocaching back into the spotlight, made for a fun side quest. My real drawback was the narrator on the audiobook. Maybe it was that I listen at 1.25 speed, but the voice detracted from the suspense. It almost felt too whimsical for the story itself. Too soft, too soothing, and needed a bit of edge to really carry the tension of the story.
About Cara Putman
Since the time I could read Nancy Drew, I have wanted to write mysteries. In 2005 I attended a book signing at my local Christian bookstore. The rest, as they say, is history. There I met Colleen Coble. With prompting from my husband, I shared my dream with Colleen. Since those infamous words, I’ve been writing books.
In addition to writing, I am an attorney, lecturer at a Big Ten university, active in women’s ministry, and all around crazy woman. Crazy about God, my husband and my kids. I graduated with honors from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Go Huskers!), George Mason Law School (JD), and Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management (MBA). You can learn more about my books at https://www.caraputman.com.
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