Collecting Evidence
4 Stars

Series Note: The fifth book in the Kenner County Crime Unit series. Each book is written by a different author, but the ongoing story arc requires reading in order.

The story continues from where the last left off with the investigators finally locating Aspen Meadows only to discover that she is suffering from amnesia. In addition to having no memory of witnessing Julie Grainger's murder, Aspen has also forgotten the steamy nights of passion she shared with FBI agent, Dylan Acevedo, as well as the fact that he is the father of her son. When Dylan learns the truth, he wants to demand answers, but the threat to Aspen must take precedence.

One of the better books in this series although there are still some continuity errors, such as Callie's surprise when seeing a photograph of Vincent Del Gardo with her mother. Has she forgotten that he is her biological father?

Dylan and Aspen are engaging characters and their romance is steamier than in some of the other installments. Their chemistry leaps off the pages from the moment they are reunited and increases with each subsequent encounter. Dylan's moments with baby Jack are really sweet and make him an even more appealing hero.

In terms of the overall story arc, there is very little development as the suspense plot diverges from the Grainger case and revolves around the question of who is stalking Aspen - Julie's killer or someone else entirely?

In sum, an entertaining read with some exciting actions scenes and the amnesia and secret baby tropes work well within the story. The next book focuses on new characters and perhaps there will be some progress with the Julie Grainger case. ( )

The first story if Collecting Evidence: When FBI Agent Dylan Acevedo meets Aspen again he remembers the good time they had, however she doesn't remember anything, she doesn't even remember the son she had who is strangely the right age. Yes, a secret pregnancy and amnesia story in this series. The two of them have to work on regaining trust as well as keeping her alive!

The second story, Pulling the Trigger, is quite a strong story. Joanna Rhodes is an FBI agent, having escaped the reservation after losing her parents and rape, is back to help investigate. It doesn't help that the man she's tasked to question is the man who raped her and was never brought to justice. She left Ethan Bia behind, her first love, and now he's helping her as a tracker.
This one was an intersting look at justice and how sometimes you have to face the past to move on. I liked the chemistry between the two leads and how she was never diminished as a strong character. ( )