Murder Notes (Lilah Love Book 1)

The first book in the new Lilah Love series satisfies my current thirst for romantic suspense novels.

When the FBI director requests Agent Lilah Love fly to New York to investigate a possible link between her current case in L.A. and one they are investigating in her home town, she's not happy. With a police chief brother leading the case, her job as an FBI profiler to bound to be more complicated than necessary in the small NY town. When her arrival coincides with the discovery of a newly dead body, rumours begin to circulate when beguiling Kane Mendez, the son of the deceased local crime lord, appears at the crime scene. Lilah begins looking for a link between the two cases. However, news of her temporary residency spreads fast in the small town, and she becomes the target of a stalker too. With evidence to suggest the two are connected, it becomes clear the people she loves are not what whom she thought they were.

Within the narrative, many twists are revealed but all information presented is easy to follow. In addition, just when you get ideas about who may be responsible or the mastermind of the crimes, new potential suspects are disclosed. There's scarcely a dull moment in this fast-paced novel. It's easy to become embroiled and fully invested in this fascinating story as it unfolds.

I loved Lilah's straight-talking, no-nonsense attitude to both her work and life generally. She's definitely not a conventional heroine. A rough diamond, her only concession is make-up. Lilah's feisty yet vulnerable as secrets from her past haunt her. Uncovering truths about people in her inner circle, her list of people to trust is diminishing...fast.

Overall, this is definitely one of my favourite novels I've read so far in 2018 and hope the continuing series keeps up the same pace. The author has crafted a compelling and thrilling mystery with engaging protagonists and secondary characters. I can't wait for the subsequent instalments.

***arc generously received courtesy of Montlake Romance via NetGalley***

Murder Notes introduces unconventional FBI profiler Lilah Love as she returns to her hometown to catch a killer. The start of Lisa Renee Jones's new series is dark with a touch levity in the form of Lilah's sassy attitude. Lilah's unfiltered voice keeps the story interesting and moving into the unknown.

Lilah is a young and super successful profiler. In most of the profiler stories I've read the profilers are made from a chip on the shoulder, something in their past inspired them, or instincts that serve well in the field. In this case, Lilah has more than a chip on her shoulder and the trauma she's dealing with is an extraordinary conversation starter. She's tasked with linking cases in California to an breaking case in the Hamptons, the place where she left behind family and an ex that presses all her buttons. Everyone else thinks their culprit is a serial killer. Only Lilah believes they're looking for an assassin. Only she knows that the cases are definitely linked, and the common factor is herself.

Murder Notes is an exciting read created by a tangled web of secrets and lies. By the end it isn't even close to being unraveled! I love the way the story continuously builds whether from Lilah finding clues about what's going on, or from her family and so-called friends revealing that they're not as predictable as Lilah assumed. Lilah is a demanding, fierce character who may not be likable to every reader, but her frankness is certainly refreshing. The trauma she hasn't dealt with dogs her every step, especially now that someone might know her secrets.

This fast-paced novel will keep you up reading late into the night, and it's worth every minute of lost sleep! That feeling you get when you're eager to solve a mystery follows you right up until the end and then, it's over. Lisa Renee Jones ends Murder Notes with a nice, tidy hook to keep you coming back for more! I'm extremely excited for Murder Girl, the next Lilah Love story!
*ARC provided in consideration for review*

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book which was provided via Netgalley. OMG! I am a big fan of Lisa Renee Jones and have read several of her books. This one by far is the most intense and thrilling of them all. It is a bout an FBI profiler named Lilah Love who who is being brought into look into a series of murders that somehow seem as if they may be connected to her past. There is a lot of mystery surrounding how and why murders both in her current home of Los Angeles and her hometown in the Hamptons are connected. Just so happens her brother is the police chief there and her father is the mayor. Not to mention Kane, her ex and the man who knows what happened in her past still lives there as well. She must find a way to solve these murders without tipping off the person or persons as she tries to put the pieces together and not reveal her secrets. There seem to be so many players involved. She not only has her brother and father who want her to leave the murder cases to them, she wonders where two woman she grew up with have to do with what is going on along with her brother's friend, a detective on the force. Kane seems to play a part in the mystery of the murders, though she doesn't know how he fits in and deep down believes he is not responsible. Lilah and Kane have a deep connection and Kane wants to protect her from anything that could occur. And what about the notes she is receiving? What are they all about and who is sending them? How does what happened to her in the past tie into what is happening now? This may not be the standard romance, mystery and lighter story you may be use to from Ms Jones, but it is definitely one series you will be glad you read. I can not wait to read what happens next in this fascinating and awesome story about love, scandal, murder, mystery and intrigue!

Wow! A fast paced, highly detailed who-done-it storyline starring a female FBI profiler who gets called back to her home town in New York to work a murder case and her family is right in the thick of things. Lilah Love reminds me a lot of J.D. Robb’s Eve Dallas character because she’s smart, tough as nails and exceedingly talented at her job. She’s not afraid to kick butt and take names especially when it looks like her father, her brother and her ex-lover are all mixed up in a tangled mess of clues she has to chase down. Adding to the building suspense is a huge secret from Lilah’s past that a stalker threatens to expose while he watches her every move. Lilah has no choice but to follow each and every clue, even when her father, brother and her ex-lover are suspects she has to clear to get to the truth. This is a smartly woven thriller that ends with a shocking cliffhanger and the best part is the anticipation of waiting for the next book to be published. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. I read a copy of this book provided by Montlake Romance through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.

I have read and enjoyed books by Lisa Renee Jones before, so when I discovered she wrote a Thriller I decided to give it a go. Just like with every new series, it takes me time to get used to the new world and characters. The pacing of this story was fast, there was a lot going on during certain moments. Lilah Love has a lot to handle with her personal struggles/demons, family problems, and series of murders. She is a FBI profiler, however in my opinion she didn't come across as a very good one. Her theories were all over the place, which started to confuse me. Also she loves Chanel, it being repeated multiple times got a bit annoying at a certain point.

Lilah is not a very likable person, she is very demanding and headstrong. She expects everyone to be at her beck and call, which didn't appeal to me. It was just very difficult for me to connect with her. I did enjoy her interactions with Kane, who I look forward to seeing more of in the next book. I also liked the flashbacks, and I wish there was more of them, because it gives the reader a great look into why Lilah is the way she is. Nothing is really resolved in this book so it left me with a lot of unanswered questions and unsatisfied. However, I do want to find out what will happen next and who the killer is. I'll probably pick up the next book to see which direction the author will take this story. Also I'm looking forward to seeing Lilah grow as a character. Who knows, I'll maybe end up liking and rooting for her in the next book.

Murder Notes will have you looking over your shoulder and installing pad locks on your doors. This suspenseful and thrilling read will have you wanting more.

I was absolutely engrossed with the FBI Agent, Lilah Love. She’s not just any Agent but a Serial Profiler. Lilah has a knack in getting into the minds of a killer. To what makes them tick of the who, what and why. But the current case that she is working on brings her back to her hometown in the Hamptons. With her family being well known and influential, being back home brings the killer to her doorstep. Doesn’t help that her Ex (Kane)was crime lord’s son. Kane is dangerous and powerful in which no one crosses him. The chemistry and passion between Kane and Lilah is off the charts.

This is one of the many reasons why I love LRJ romantic suspense reads. So many twists and turns. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

5 Stars
Received and ARC for which I voluntarily provided a review.

FBI Profiler, Lilah Love, has had to build thick wall around herself over the years. This wall provides Lilah the self-preservation she needs and craves. She has seen too much horror having helped the FBI solve countless murders; seeing the truly heinous things others can and do inflict onto their victims, day in and day out.

Lilah has sharpened and honed her skills over the years as she tries to vindicate the victims and bring the killers to justice. But when a new string of murders strike close to home, Lilah must figure out how best to balance her professional life and that of her personal one without butting heads with the family and lover she left on the other side of the country years ago.

With a calling card that keeps reappearing, threatening to bring back a secret that Lilah is desperate to keep locked away, she is faced with one inescapable truth. This killer knows Lilah. It seems personal. So, has she finally met her match?

Many view Lilah as a no-nonsense, serious, and emotionally detached woman. That may be so, but I could not get enough of her character. I found that the more I read about her, the more I wanted to know about her. Yes, she was serious, but she was also skilled, smart and tenacious.
She was funny and she had to keep things light in her own way to survive in a heavily male dominated profession. I am craving to learn more about her - from what her upbringing was like, to what drove her to be a profiler in the first place.

I cannot wait to read more Lilah Love books. I highly recommend them to you as well. You will be captivated, entertained, and you will be on the edge of your seat as you too try and solve the murders that Ms. Love is investigating.

Rating 4.5 stars.

I like Lisa Renee Jones writing. She's good at creating characters and stories that are interesting and intriguing. Murder Notes is the grittiest of her books that I've read. Lilah Love isn't very likable but she is fascinatingly complex. She accomplished a lot already having dropped out of law school, worked for the NYPD and becoming a successful FBI profiler (maybe a little too quickly for real life). She smart, talented and can think like a killer. In part because she is one. Jones drags out explaining this part of Lilah's history excruciatingly slowly - in a good, sitting on the edge of your chair, chewing your nails kind of way. She's almost cruel to Rich, her fellow agent boyfriend. To her credit, she never offered him more but he wants to take their relationship to the next level. Her ex, Kane Mendez, is even more convinced she's the one for him but she's equally closed off from him. She's not a warm welcoming person even to her brother and cousin she loves, or her father with whom she has a strained relationship. In my mind, she did have a close, loving relationship with her mother before she died. Perhaps, her current reticence was born from the loss of her mother.

This book offers far more questions than answers. Who is committing the murders? What is their motivation? Are they targeted to get Lilah's attention and to bring her home to NY? Who can be trusted? What's Kane's involvement with his dead father's cartel? Is Lilah's dad dirty? Is Lilah's boss dirty? Are the NY FBI agents on the take? Who's really running the show? and the world as we know it? Throughout I wanted Lilah to quit fighting the truth that Kane is the only one who sees all of her facets and embraces even the darkest side of her but that seems no more likely than her finding love with Rich.

The answers to these questions can't be contained in one book and I was dying to know what came next as I came to the finally pages. Time to go from this pager turner to the next, Murder Girl.

There are few who can do suspense and mystery like Lisa Renee Jones and I swear she nails it every time. Murder Notes had me going from the very beginning all the way to the very end. It was unique both as a Lisa Renee Jones’ book and on its own and I couldn’t get enough of it.

I said before that this was a unique book for this author because Murder Notes is more thrillery/suspense than love and romance. And while I’m usually all about my romance, I didn’t mind that the book focused more on Lilah Love and her hunt for the truth — in fact, I actually loved that and I'm glad that it was written this way. Anyway, as Murder Notes is really about Lilah’s journey, I’m only going to talk about her.

And Lilah Love, aside from having the coolest name ever, is also a total boss. She’s tough and dark and sarcastic and a smart aleck. There are times when I think she’s just a little bit dramatic, but that has more do with my messed-uped-ness than hers, so I couldn’t fault her for it or be irritated with her. I just really love Lilah, she truly is her own heroine and hero, she doesn’t need someone to take care of her and she’s beyond capable of doing whatever needs to be done on her own.

Murder Notes intrigued me, ensnared me, and refused to let me go. It had me on the edge of seat, eager to know more with every page I turned. It was full of mystery and kept me guessing the whole time — I’m still questioning and guessing even now. Murder Notes was absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to read Murder Girl!

Murder Notes is the first book in the Lilah Love series, it’s told only from Lilah’s point of view, and it’s definitely going to leave you wanting more.

I find myself joining all the other reviewers in saying, "I need more and I need it now!" The queen of leaving us hanging has done it again!

Detective Lilah Love is used the jokes about her name, she's used to the horrors of brutal crime scenes, and she's used to being alone. A pile of bodies all murdered in the same way call her back home to the Hamptons, a place she isn't used to being around people she isn't used to seeing. Determined to track down the killer she begins gathering data, only to find herself the target of eerie notes that relate to something she thought was in the past. The notes, the bodies, and those fighting to keep everything covered up reveal to her that maybe the tie in between all the murders is herself.

"He is the devil, but then, I am no angel. He made sure of that."

Oh my, Lisa Renee Jones has done it again, but this time from the perspective of a beautiful, complicated woman who doesn't have the time for romancing. It's different for LRJ and I really enjoyed Lilah Love and her crude mouth. She's a different sort of female character, very complex and strong in many ways, but also incredibly broken and weighed down by life. She covers things up with wit and sarcasm and she believes she protects others by keeping everything to herself. Her past is a difficult one and though it is fitting of the story, it's painful to watch a piece of her past haunt her in a very present and active way. Then there's the men, oh the men. The list goes on and on, from family members to exes to coworkers, Lilah is surrounded by a sea of men who don't really want her to uncover the truth, who don't really want her to be as strong as she is. They treat her delicately, like she's breakable and simply unable to handle the realities. The men ignore her role, her strength, and are simple unaware of the past that made her into the woman she is. She remains fierce, strong willed, and increasingly agitated by the assumptions of those around her.

"There's always a murder where you are, Lilah."

Which brings me to the meat of the story, the murders of four individuals that, for some reason, the men don't want her to work. Lilah Love is neck deep in the mystery, but Murder Notes is a thriller not a mystery and that is very apparent as it is revealed to readers that somehow Lilah is tied into all of this. In very lengthy, maybe too lengthy, detail LRJ tells us of Lilah's pasts, of the current crime scenes, of the lives of every individual possibly involved, and the history that surrounds the current murders. There's a stalker, an assassinator, a long simmering romance, political aspirations, friends, enemies, and two cartels that just can't seem to get along when left to their own devices. It's fairly complicated and quite a lot to remember, which was tedious at first, but in time I was attached to this story and just as addicted to solving the crime as Lilah. Unfortunately, Murder Notes is book one in a series and we are left with a cliffhanger that promises answers, and likely more questions, are to come.

"It bleeds because you bleed."

I'm not sure how long I can wait for answers in the Lilah Love series, the danger too great to ignore and the passionate lust between Lilah and another just promises there is more smut to come. There's secrets to uncover, lies to disprove, and a deadly killer and a stalker who must be found out. Murder Notes is an engaging, character-driven thriller from the incredible Lisa Renee Jones. It's a series you won't be able to walk away from and one you won't be able to guess the ending of.

ARC provided.

Murder Notes is about FBI profiler Lilah Love who is assigned a murder case in the Hamptons. Agent Lilah returned to her hometown in search of clues regarding the four murders that might be linked between LA and NY.

Lilah is being threatened by someone who knows her secrets. Threatening notes are left behind as a reminder she needs to back off. Lilah confides in her ex-boyfriend Kane to help her sort out the dark and haunting reality of these murders.

Lilah is a snarky character full of sarcasm and angry bouts of f-bombs. Lilah rubs people the wrong way in this town. Her homecoming wasn’t warm and fuzzy. Lilah is pushy, direct and demanding yet given the type of job she has in an all male environment I suppose it’s justified. She needs to assort authority in order to be taken seriously. She might be a good judge of character but her jumping to conclusions with hot headed attitude isn’t the most productive way to get information. But it certainly stirs up the drama.

Ms. Jones writes a well thought out murder mystery involving all the steps and processes of a profiler. However, I felt there were too many variables and details to work though. Not to mention a slew of characters. I really wanted to like this story and find out what these past secrets were that connected to the present murders, but I realized those answers were not going to take place in this book but rather farther along in another book.

There was excitement and conspiracy and secrets that brought entertainment to the story, yet I’m disappointed at the length of this story and the amount of layers Lilah’s character had to go into in order to solve these murders. There’s an intricate web of lies and secrets that is intriguing yet not enough to warrant the long adventure of more books. At the way this story is paced it’s obvious this author can introduce more ideas and characters to shake up the story. While this might seem appealing to most its not to me. Without knowing how many books will be part of this series I’m on the fence whether I will return for book two.

Murder Notes was unlike anything I’ve ever read from Lisa Renee Jones, and I’ve read almost all of her books. This compelling and captivating story was more thriller than romance. FBI profiler Lilah Love is on the hunt for a serial killer that she’s not quite convinced is a serial killer. Her quest to capture the perp ties into a traumatic event from her past and she finds herself surrounded by people she’s not sure she can trust. Which isn’t really saying anything as she doesn’t trust easily. This case has brought her back to her ex, who for all intents and purposes seems like a likely suspect - one she constantly discounts. They share a tragic secret and an incredibly hot love/hate relationship, at least on her part. Strangely enough, it seems he’s the one she trusts most, which is still very little. With dead bodies piling up and more questions than answers, how will Lilah solve this case when the secrets are never-ending?

I have a certain amount of admiration for an alpha heroine, especially when done right, and I believe that LRJ did a great job with Lilah. While she came off as downright rude and abrasive, most of the time I understood where she was coming from. Did I think she had the bad habit of getting in her own way? Absolutely. But she didn’t bemoan or gripe about things not going her way. Nope, this chick pushed through and bulldozed her own path. Someone’s not giving her the answers she’s looking for? Throw her badge around. Someone’s being a condescending, masogynistic jerk? Throw her badge around. Someone gave her a funny look? Yup, that’s right… throw her damn badge around.

Lilah cracked me up more times than not. I’m not sure if her behavior was supposed to be seen as hysterical, but that’s how it came off to me. The author found a way to put me in Lilah’s shoes. It didn’t hurt that this was a crime-fighting novel, which lines up with my obsession of all the great crime shows such as Law & Order, Criminal Minds, CSI, etc. The story, for all its gruesome qualities, had a lot of humor and humanity to spare.

Although Lilah came off as a bad&*% who was more likely to shoot first and ask questions later, there were many instances that showcased her vulnerability and reminded me that she was only human. And that maybe some of her crass behavior was a result of pain. Or maybe I’m trying to rationalize the irrational. Who knows? What I do know is that I’m utterly in love with Kane, Lilah’s ex, and I’m craving his perspective desperately. While Lilah has definitely made me turn the pages, a huge part of my interest is the push and pull between her and Kane. I don’t know much about this man, but the little I do has intrigued the heck out of me and I need more.

Anyhoo, you know this story is amazing because it’s not even due for another couple of months and I had to read it, regardless of the huge cliffy I knew would be coming at the end. I’m not exactly thrilled to have to wait an eternity (that’s how it feels) for the next one, but I have no regrets. If you love an intense mystery thriller, than you’re really going to love this one!

New York Times bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones’s heart-pounding thriller of a woman’s secrets—and a past that’s about to come out of hiding…

As an FBI profiler, it’s Lilah Love’s job to think like a killer. And she is very good at her job. When a series of murders surface—the victims all stripped naked and shot in the head—Lilah’s instincts tell her it’s the work of an assassin, not a serial killer. But when the case takes her back to her hometown in the Hamptons and a mysterious but unmistakable connection to her own life, all her assumptions are shaken to the core.

Thrust into a troubled past she’s tried to shut the door on, Lilah’s back in the town where her father is mayor, her brother is police chief, and she has an intimate history with the local crime lord’s son, Kane Mendez. The two share a devastating secret, and only Kane understands Lilah’s own darkest impulses. As more corpses surface, so does a series of anonymous notes to Lilah, threatening to expose her. Is the killer someone in her own circle? And is she the next target?

Review:
First, because I know this bugs some people. The story ends in a cliffhanger and the next book comes out in the summer, so if that bothers you, you have been forewarned.

Now, for the story. I really liked this one. It is full of suspense, with a side of romance. I do have to say, one of my things is I can usually tell what or who is behind things in stories....I have not a clue in this one. I am thinking it is one big conspiracy, but I know that is not truly it. So this having to wait until Summer is gonna kill me. From the other books I have read by this Author, it is a slight departure from her norm. Not saying that is bad, it is very good. If you are looking for the sexy, it is very small in the story so far. The focus is a story that reminds me of Criminal Minds. I loved the many facets to Lilah and the name, as one characters says, does sound like a porn star. She really is a strong character and is pulling off carrying the story, pretty much on her own. Kane, is there but for me he is still in the periphery and I am not sure about him as a character or his true motivations yet.

So, now I wait for the next book, but if you are looking for an intriguing suspense I would definitely recommend this story.

4.5Stars
*I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book provided by the Author.*

Murder Notes is the first book in the exciting new Lilah Love series by bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones. A captivating, intense, thrilling suspense that's a definite must read! This was a fantastic story full of secrets, lies, complex characters, mystery, intense situations, danger, and intriguing twists and turns. Jones knows how to pull readers into the story, making you feel as though you're a part of everything, and leaving you unable to put it down until the very end. This was a terrific beginning to what is going to be an incredible series.

Special Agent Lilah Love, a profiler with the FBI, is brought in to investigate recent murders where the only link between them is the M.O. of how they're killed. When another murder in New York has the same M.O. as the others in California, Lilah is sent back to her hometown to determine if they are in fact linked. Not ready to deal with her own past, and the reason why she left years ago, she's reluctant to face the one person who knows her secret. When she arrives to another body being left for her, as well as an escort sent by her police chief brother, she realizes that this may be personal.

When her investigation reveals more questions than answers, especially involving her family, she becomes more determined to figure out who's behind the murders. During her investigation, she begins to almost immediately receive notes, along with disturbing things happening to and around her, regarding the night that her life changed forever. It's now obvious that someone else besides her and Kane know her secret, and she has to figure out who it is, as well as why they've waited until now to let her know.

What's the endgame of the murderer and the one who knows her secret? Does the murders have to do with Lilah, her family, Kane, or any of the heads of the other crime families? How did the murderer know that Lilah was on her way back to her hometown? Why is the person behind the notes and other threats letting her know that they're aware of her secret, and why now? Will Lilah be able to figure out who's been writing the notes without anyone else finding out about their secret? Can she figure out who the murderer is before anyone else gets hurt? Can Kane help her, or will he be more of a hindrance, especially if he's involved with either? Can Lilah protect herself and those who she cares about? What will happen with Kane, and the intense chemistry between them? I'm definitely looking forward to the next book, hopefully we'll get some of these answers, and more.

Although I know that it's going to happen, the cliffhanger ending in Jones' stories always catches me by surprise. As much as I truly hate cliffhangers, Jones is one of the very few authors that I will read knowing that it will have this type of ending because her stories are exceptional. I can't wait to read the next book, and see where the author will take the series from here. It's certainly going to be a wild and incredible ride.

I strongly recommend this book, series, and amazing author.

I have voluntarily reviewed this arc provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

Lisa Renee Jones has written a wonderfully mind-bending, twisty-turny maze of secrets and lies with a side of sizzling forbidden attraction in Murder Notes!

Lilah Love's family is part of the Hamptons elite, but she managed to escape all of that madness after her beloved movie star mother's death. Now she is a successful FBI profiler on the west coast, but she is constantly fighting an uphill battle to earn her place in a man's world. Dead bodies seem to have a way of speaking to her though earning her the nickname Murder Girl for her ability to successfully profile killers and solve murders. No one knows that she makes solving those cases her personal atonement for the sins of the past... or do they? Secrets from her old life have followed her to LA and are threatening to surface, leading to an unwelcome trip down memory lane and back to the place she once called home.

From the moment she sets foot back in NY, it becomes clear the string of killings she has been assigned to investigate are tied to her past. She is being baited with assassinations being made to look like a serial killer's work, but as she searches for the common thread that ties them all together, the only factor she finds is herself. There is only one person who knows what happened that fateful night all those years ago, and there is no way he would betray her... but someone is taunting her with both a trail of bodies and creepy notes.

Questions beget more questions, and a web of secrets and lies is starting to unravel little by little. Lilah is dismayed to discover that her father and brother may just be part of a conspiracy or cover-up, and her former best friend may have been involved in setting up the events that led to Lilah's flight from the Hamptons all those years ago. Everyone's motives and intentions are being questioned, and the one person who is supposedly the "worst" one for her to associate with may just be the only person she can trust right now.

Kane Mendez swears he is not his father, but he is without question the most powerful force in the Hamptons. Nothing happens in his town without his knowledge, but he is the one who has protected her secret and still looks out for her all these years later. No matter how much she wants to deny it, the attraction between Lilah and Kane is still as potent as ever and his love has not faded despite the distance. As much as she wants to trust him entirely, Kane doesn’t share full details about anything, sharing only what he thinks she needs to know which may actually put her in more danger. Considering she isn't sharing the whole story with him either, they make quite a pair!

This story is only just getting started, and I already cannot wait to see what comes next! We get a taste of the heat that Kane and Lilah generate when they are together, and I am betting the best is yet to come. That web of secrets I mentioned has only just begun to unravel, and I have no doubt LRJ is going to blow our mind with more twists and turns before it is all said and done!

I’m a huge fan of suspenseful thrillers, especially ones where readers see the case and all of its complicated parts through the eyes of one of the agents responsible for bringing the criminal to justice, so when I read that Lisa Renee Jones’ newest release, MURDER NOTES, was about an FBI Profiler on the hunt for a serial killer, I knew this was a story I would love; these kinds of books keep readers actively engaged because as clues are uncovered and potential criminals/killers are interviewed, we take notes on each new character, each piece of information uncovered, each lie told, and each truth revealed.  

Right from the start, Lisa Renee Jones thrusts readers into the middle of a case that is so complex and so layered that it’s, at times, difficult for the heroine, FBI Profiler, Lilah Love, to keep everything straight, but that’s expected for a case of this magnitude and the varying scenarios that exist. And then, when the leads and the information start to direct Lilah towards an extremely familiar area, the things that added up before, don’t quite back sense anymore and she’s left reeling due to the potential of what it all could mean in direct relation to her own life.

I do have to caution romance readers, a bit, because MURDER NOTES does NOT focus on the heroine’s love life or the potential for one…don’t get me wrong, there are traces of romance in the story line, but the plot is not driven by love…it’s driven by murder…by the need to catch this serial killer and/or the man who hired this assassin/killer. And I have to say as a lover of romance, this story is perfect the way it is. I wouldn’t want its focus to be swayed from what’s most important and because Lilah Love is in the thick of it, she doesn’t really have time for anything else. She’s consumed by the case…by the details they’ve acquired so far…by the real possibility that it’s someone closer to her than she thinks.      

Lilah Love is a kick butt heroine who understands the gravity of her profession, especially now that it seems like her personal and professional lives have begun to crash into each other. I definitely would portray Lilah as an alpha woman, and while that title could be construed as a negative quality – Lilah owns her strength, her feistiness, and her intelligence, which makes her the perfect woman to bring down this killer.

Lisa Renee Jones did a great job in providing readers with a solid foundation in regards to the case and who Lilah Love is, and while MURDER NOTES does end in a cliffhanger, I feel like it’s the perfect stopping point to build up the suspense and the intrigue surrounding the case and the fact that all evidence points to Love’s hometown being part of the puzzle. I also have to say that I’m rather fascinated by Kane Mendez and the secret that only he knows about Lilah. I’m hoping that book two provides readers with further insight into what these two had together and how they might potentially fit into the dynamics of the case.

4.5 Poison Apples    

Murder Notes is the first book in Lisa Renee Jones 'Lilah Love series'. It's full of mystery, drama, and a whole lot suspense, which is something I've always enjoyed about Lisa Renee Jones books.

I won't go into the story at all because the synopsis covers a perfect description of the story.

Items I enjoyed about Murder Notes:

-Lilah Love's POV. Some readers would want another POV in a story, but I actually enjoy one POV, especially with suspenseful stories. It leaves the reader asking questions on who the killer is and what is going on in the story. 

-Lilah Love's character. She's kind of heartless and closed off.  She's not a normal character I would like in a story because of how she is. After finding out what happened to her though, I definitely can understand why she's heartless and closed off. She's great at her job too as a FBI profiler. She's determined more than ever, which is something I definitely like about her. She also knows how to deal with her family. She's not someone to mess with. 

-The crazy spinning story. Lisa Renee Jones knows how to keep a reader guessing. It doesn't help with all the other characters in the story. Who could be the killer or killers? Could it be Lilah's ex-lover? I definitely don't know because Murder Notes only opened up a little bit of what's going on. Poor Lilah has a whole lot of investigating that still is going to happen. She also has to figure out who is writing the notes to her about her past. 

-Kane Mendez. He sounds really sexy, but he's also very intimidating. I don't know what to make of him, even after just a few of the run ins with him the story. I don't know if I should like him or not like him. There is something about him though. He has a past with Lilah and supposedly he's trying to have a present with her. She's not making it easy for him. Good for you Lilah! Although, at the end of Murder Notes, maybe she definitely needs him more in her life.

Overall, this book was definitely a whirl wind of craziness that I definitely need more of, especially with that crazy cliffhanger. It doesn't help with the sneak peek of the next book at the very end of this book. Lisa Renee Jones knows how to write an awesome romantic suspense story. 

I give the first book in the Lilah Love series 4.5 stars and highly recommend it to readers that enjoy Romantic Suspense stories. If you've read other books from Lisa Renee Jones, you'll definitely enjoy the first book in her new series. If you haven't read any of her books, I definitely recommend you do soon.

Lilah has a past buried in secrets that torments her nights. As an FBI profiler she is called in to some of the most gruesome crimes the agency faces. Her ability to go into her Otherworld at those times makes her the best in the business. Now, however, someone is assassinating people who seem to have a connection to the past she just wants to forget.

The case takes her from L.A. to the Hamptons and a reunion with the family she tries to ignore as well as the man that knows all of her secrets. With suspects and clues popping up at every turn and the local law enforcement seemingly content to explain away their latest murder, she races to find the truth while protecting her family as well as herself.

Lilah is one tough heroine. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and everyone knows it. As she progresses through the case she fights against the draw her former lover, Kane Mendez, has on her. All while trying to not totally destroy the current man in her bed’s life as she tries to cut him loose. It’s not going so well for her.

I truly enjoyed witnessing her journey through every twist and turn as it presented itself. Her ability to think quickly not only about what actions she should take but regarding what the next step the authorities are planning. With the help of her contact back in L.A. she processes the information in a methodical manner, the case getting closer and closer to herself.

At this point, Kane is a secondary character that appears to have more information than he’s sharing as is all the other people in her life. He’s made it clear that he still wants her and he wants her here and now. On the surface he appears to be a wealthy business man but everyone knows he has links to a drug cartel.

Additional characters add to the feeling of being pulled into something that is going to blow Lilah’s well preserved order away. I love when I’m reading a thriller and I look at each new character as the possible villain and this book made me antsy every time I time I turned the page. Both eager and nervous about what would be revealed.

This is a fast paced, well written mystery thriller with undertones of uncertainty that will pull you in. Although there is a past history with Kane, at this point the story is not about his and Lilah’s relationship except in the background. It ends on a cliffhanger and now I’m just plain anxious to get the next one. Things are definitely heating up and I need to know who, what and where!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Suspenseful,thrilling , exciting...
This fantastic, sexy, high octane read is best enjoyed by going in blindly!
From the beginning, you think this fast paced psychological thriller is going in one direction but then a certain tattoo on a dead body takes you on a completely different connection.
Each page carried another piece of a complex puzzle, maybe giving you clues as to who's behind these murders.
I was immersed in this story, nail biting and exciting I couldn't put this book down trying to figure out the secrets and hidden clues in this read. Of course the build up was exciting and the wtf moments just kept piling up.
Lilah is the perfect heroine for this story. Beauty sexy a hooker name and a badass attitude to match her badge as FBI agent and profiler. While she's investigating a series of murders in California , similar ones are happening in her home state of New York. Digging deeper she discovers eery similarities. As a profiler she's sent to New York and what she discovers takes her down a rabbit hole she never thought she would fall into.
Secrets behind secrets take front and center seat in this high octane intriguing, and suspenseful psychological thriller.
The thrill of trying to find out what is happening and what is the meaning behind the mysterious notes that suddenly appear where Lilah least expects it. Who's responsible?
Every character become suspect.
Lilah may been in over head as she learns that she can't trust those she thought she could. There's an underlying hint of romance bubbling but the layers of mystery and suspense, keep it from happening.
Is Kane Mendez friend or foe?
Omg, I need to know and the ending cliffhanger didn't satisfy my curiosity.
My only criticism was that the story was so fast paced, at times certain scenes felt rushed and they were missing something. Additionally, there were so many characters entering and leaving the story at times it felt confusing.
However let me be clear that didn’t take away from enjoying the story one bit!!
I cannot wait to find out what this amazing author of mysterious sexy thrillers has up her sleeve!!
4.5 stars.

Murder Notes is a story full of secrets, black spots and deception. You don't know who to trust, who is corrupt and who is truly has Lilah's back and that's just her family and former friends.

There is so much in play in Murder Notes that you aren't really sure which way to look, who to point the blame on. Lilah's ex lover is protective, but I don't know if that's a good thing with his cartel connections. Her dad is all about appearance and politics and something is just off there. The entire situation is a total cluster to be honest. You head is whipping in a million different directions, you are looking over your shoulder looking for people lurking in the shadows or are they hiding in plain site?

At this point we have more questions than answers and yes this is a cliffhanger and no... nothing was resolved. The story arc has been split into two books and I'm anxious to find out what will happen next. Find out who we can trust and who is trying to run Lilah back out of town and who is behind her having to back after she ran away all of those years ago.

All of that said I really enjoyed the plot of Murder Notes, but I found it very difficult to like Lilah. She is jaded and hard and cold. I can understand to a point why she is that way, but even the inner monologues didn't give me any insight that made her more likable to me. She tended to be a bit redundant and would go over the same things like she believed she needed to be hard and tough all of the time. Even though she is a profiler for the FBI, I would like to have seen a softer side, see her be more honest and vulnerable.

I will definitely be reading the next book, because frankly I'm really intrigued and I am dying to know what will happen next!

MURDER NOTES is the first in the cloak and dagger, suspenseful Lilah Love series. It's really not a love story...more like a murder mystery with a small side of romance. But if you like the opposites attract trope (she's an FBI agent, he's a mob boss) then you'll appreciate the slow, burning intensity between Kane and Lilah!

Lisa Renee Jones...I am in AWE of the details and intricacies that went into the plot of this CHILLING and PHENOMENAL book. Absolutely everything in this story felt incredibly believable! I could see this one becoming a series, in print or television, it was that good! From start to finish, I was completely engrossed in the puzzle that Lilah Love has to piece together. Sometimes, when I read mysteries, it's pretty obvious "whodunit" but this one had me going back and forth and by the end..I still had no clue who the killer was. The story is full of twists that lead you one way and turns that abruptly send you in a different direction.

Lilah was a complete BAD ASS! She had a hard shell around her heart and there's a reason for that but she was tough, crude, a real potty mouth...and I LOVED her! And although Lilah and Kane stood on opposite sides of the law, it's completely obvious how well they fit together. Actually, the entire cast of characters was intriguing! I was left with the feeling that no one could be trusted and everyone was a suspect from her father to her ex-best friend.

My only complaint is that I have to wait for book two! (I'm SO impatient, I know!) I'm absolutely hooked on Lilah Love and can't wait for the thrilling conclusion. Plus, I found another AWESOME book to put on my READ AGAIN E-SHELF! YAY! Told entirely from Lilah's POV with a stunning cliffhanger. I received, read and voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

3.5 Stars, Rounded

Intrigued by a new series from Lisa Renee Jones, Lilah Love popped up to fill that promise. Lilah is a profiler for the FBI, and a string of murders that stretch across the country will test her skills and her courage. She’s driven and intelligent, with a knack for out-thinking suspects using her experience and training to stay one step ahead. She’s moved on from her family and their expectations: raised in privilege she’s taken a big leap away, and truly never was interested in returning.

But, this current case is raising red flags and a trip back to the Hamptons where she grew up just may be needed. If only the anonymous threats, and the worries that the trail will lead her to her ex and the only man she ever loved: Kane Mendez, son of a major crime boss. Of course, when you add in her own connections to the town’s management; her father the mayor, her brother the Police Chief and, of course, the connection to the illegal crime boss’s son. There are plenty of worries in her return, and even more secrets that she wants to forget.

Full of secrets, tension and more twists than should be allowed, the story ends on a cliffhanger with many elements yet to sort out. Trademark LRJ writing: the secrets and tensions all play into the action, as questions about Lilah, the killer and her own hidden past are asked, with answers coming in dribs and drabs, each bringing forward more questions and possible solutions to the mystery. A clever start for the first in a series, sure to please fans of the author who are not daunted by the wait to have the cliffhanger resolved.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

The Mistress of Mystery and Suspense does it again. Murder Notes was a nail-biter from start to finish. Special Agent Lilah Love was an incredibly strong, analytical and captivating character.

Aside from a couple skeletons in her closet, Lilah Love is a very methodical, meticulous and skillful profiler with the FBI. Her loyalty is to the truth and she’ll go to any lengths to find it. She comes off a b!tchy or closed off...but seriously, she just doesn’t have time for BS, not even from her family. She pulls no punches and expects honesty. She’s straightforward and has a backbone of steel. She’s a pretty awesome badass.

As she hunts for the serial killing that lead her back to her hometown, she begins to discover that the people she thought she knew weren’t whom she thought them to be. And it seems the only one she can really count on and come close to trusting is the big, bad wolf himself - Kane Mendez.

As the story unfolds, I became more and more curious of Kane. That man is just as mysterious and enticing as the clues that Lilah uncovers during her investigation. He’s seems quite delectable and I can’t wait to see how his role plays out in all of this.

I have yet to read a Mystery/Suspense from Lisa Renee Jones where I had any nails left. Seriously, she keeps me at the edge of my seat every time. Murder Notes was enthralling from beginning to end and left me wanting more. This is definitely a must read in my book.

Murder Notes (Lilah Love #1) by Lisa Renee Jones
4 stars
M/F Thriller
Triggers: Attempted rape, murder, stalking, Cliff hanger
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This is a fast paced thriller with a lot going on. Lilah is a great profiler. Despite her family and personal history of befriending someone with mob ties, she left it all behind to pursue her dream - she is now an FBI agent. She is darn good at her job and despite having some difficulty with the local police, her boss has her back.

But, when similar MO's show up across state lines, she has to travel back to her home town where her secrets have been buried. What awaits her is a a strange cat and mouse game - one where you are definitely unsure who is playing.

You have Lilah's family: brother and father who we are given different impressions of - although I must say that her father is down right unpleasant. Her brother, well, he seems a little clueless.

Then you have her past lover, Kane. He is an enigma all in himself. He wants Lilah back and they share a deep secret that is mentioned time and time again.

The book leads you to a cliff hanger ending, so I think that readers should be aware. But, I hope that it will lead to a conclusion that will leave me breathless. You're almost to the pinnacle of the story and that's where you're left hanging. The dynamic between the two main characters is complex, deliberately provocative and intense. I can't wait to read more.

The crime and suspense plot is brilliantly written and utterly captivating, the mystery is solid. Lisa Renee Jones’ writing always draws me in from the first page. This book was different from the other book I’ve read of hers, so far this story is more a thriller than a romantic suspense, in my opinion. The suspense-crime plot is complex and well-thought-out. The heroine, Special Agent Lylah Love is badass, sassy and fierce, I loved her. She is a top FBI profiler investigating a series of murders with some common points. The killer seems to have a connection to her past in the Hamptons, as the daughter of a prominent family.

Kane Mendez took over his family business empire with ties to crime families, after his father was murdered. Kane and Lylah were lovers, they share a secret and made a vow of silence. Following the bloody trail of a murderer, Lylah is back in her family home and she has her own demons to deal with. She tries to avoid meeting Kane, but he still affects her deeply and appears to be her knight in shining armor when she ends up being stalked and targeted by the assassin. I really liked them both, they work well together and they are loyal to each other.

The author knows how to weave a fast-paced story that will keep you captivated and guessing. There were so many suspects, my head was spinning! The book ended on a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait for the next part of Lilah and Kane’s story.

An advanced copy of this book was provided by the publisher, via NetGalley.

MURDER NOTES is the first instalment in Lisa Renee Jones’ contemporary, adult LILAH LOVE romantic, suspense thriller series focusing on FBI profiler Lilah Love. A series of murders, all fitting the same MO and assassin style shooting finds our heroine jetting across the country towards the rich and famous, and a past she can’t soon forget. The Hamptons were once our heroine’s pride and joy but murderous demons and the death of her beloved mother forced Lilah away from her family and the man she once loved. Now that her brother is police chief, and her father is schmoozing the political elite, Lilah Love must tread carefully where others refuse to go but in doing so begins to unravel a close connection to everyone she knows. As more bodies begin to pile up, so too do the threatening ‘notes’ that speak of a past, she was hoping to forget.

MURDER NOTES is a story of suspense; a thrilling roller coaster ride of suspects and victims, friends and enemies, the Mexican Cartel, family secrets and too many lies. No one is talking; everyone is suspect; clues and evidence are altered as our heroine struggles to uncover the truth. Lisa Renee Jones pushes the boundaries of expectation and uncertainty leaving the reader with the disquietude of apprehension and anxiety. The romance aspect is limited but our heroine does reconnect with the man she once loved, a dangerous man whose connections run deep. MURDER NOTES is a detailed, complex and heart pounding thriller that ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Whoa! This book is quite possibly my favorite Lisa Renee Jones book to date. Murder Notes starts off with a bang, grips you by the lapels and doesn’t even remotely let you go at the end because you are jolted with an ending that leaves you breathless and wishing you had book two waiting to dive into. There are so many twists and turns in this story it leaves you breathless by the time you get to that last sentence. Lilah is one tough FBI agent who is a profiler for the agency in really tough cases, but she has met he match with the case the agency sends her on to solve. The problem is it involves her family and ex lover, and that is the start of one hell of a great suspenseful story. I found it very difficult to put this book down to sleep. If I didn’t have to work, I would have finished it in one day. Loved the intertwining of all the characters, you have your suspicions on who did the crime, but as soon as you think you have figured it out, the author throws another twist your way and you’re left with your jaw hanging down wondering what’s next. There’s no way in hell I would remotely do anything this woman does, staying alone in a house that is clearly being watched, putting herself in situations that you are yelling at her not to, she is definitely struggling with her past and intends on conquering those demons. Loved everything about this book, am very much looking forward to the next book to come my way!

What is there not to love about this…nothing that’s what!
The first in a new series, I thought this hit the ground running and drew me in from the very first chapter, Lilah Love is an FBI profiler, well that was me sold, I needed no more…it was like having my own Criminal Minds whodunit in my hands, I was so excited.
One death on the beach in LA is soon compounded when she heads back to the east coast, her home in New York and a case that shows all the hallmarks of being connected…but was it? And could her ex really be the guy they are looking for or was that just too easy after all his family are certainly well known to the authorities.
Kane Mendez was part of the Mendez Cartel, but he can’t help the business his family have, and Lilah truly believes that he has nothing to do with the crimes, but someone is going to great lengths to try and prove otherwise…but why?
I liked that Lilah was her own woman, she had a lot on her plate, not only with the case but also with family but she was tenacious and determined to find out, not only who keeps leaving her “clues” but also why they have fixated on her and what all this has to do with Kane.
I thought the story was great, I was absorbed and totally engaged and look forward to the next in the series.

Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones was an intense yet possessive story that I never wanted to put down. I can not wait to see what happens next in this spine tingling thriller that left me puzzled and anticipating the next book.

Lilah Love is an FBI agent that helps find killers and her instincts are always on point. I loved how Lilah was always confident and never let fear rule her, she never backed down. But when a series of murders are thrown her way and it leads her back home, nothing is as it seems. You'll be completely mesmerized by Lisa's writing and completely blown away with the turn of events. I never saw it coming.

If you love a story that keeps you guessing and is just as dangerous and addictive as Kane Mendez, you are gonna want to read this one. Kane Mendez owned me the moment he walked back into Lilah's life. His character is one of my favorites.

Can Lilah discover the truth that everyone she loves is hiding from her? Will she find her killer and keep her secret? Will Kane win her heart? You'll most certainly have to one click to find out all the answers. I can't wait for Murder Girl to release so I can continue to find the truth in all of the lies and secrets Lilah finds herself faced with.

I give Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones 5 out of 5 SINISTER STARS!

A new series that revolves around FBI profiler Lilah Love, a tough, foul mouthed woman who great at her job. She also has commitment issues and one heck of a secret from her past that could jeopardize her job if ever revealed.

When dead bodies start piling up all with the same M.O. Lilah is sent back to the place she never wanted to go again – home. This is where her secret lies and only Kane Mendez – the son of Miguel who ran the cartel and who is now heading after his father’s murder – knows what really happened 2 years ago.

There is a gigantic cast of characters in this book. Along with the FBI, her father is the mayor, her brother is the Chief of Police, the man she has been sleeping with (but wants to dump) is a cop, her old mentor and supervisor from her days on the police force, the cartel and last but not least – the killer who taunts Lilah with every kill claiming to know her secret.

Nothing is resolved by the end of the book. I really wish publishers were made to label when the book is a serial (meaning story told in several installments). Ending in the middle of scene is just annoying BUT I liked Lilah, a alpha female with vulnerabilities and Kane, whoa boy does that man drip with mystery, a side a badass and sex appeal and then the hunt for the assassin/killer who may or may not be connected to one or both of them.

Romantic suspense has always been my first love when it comes to reading. It was my go to for years and I devoured everything Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush, Lisa Gardner wrote. Now I can add Lisa Renee Jones to that list.
Lilah Love is fierce! She is a tell it like it is, no nonsense, kind of girl that thrives on getting in to the mind of the most depraved people. While she comes off as cold and calculated, you come to find out she's a lot more complicated than you first thought. To me, it seemed she is so meticulous with her work because the rest of her life is such a hot mess.
The plot is intriguing and will keep you guessing right up until the cliff hanger ending. For me, it had a bit of everything....crime families, potential political scandal, a brooding former lover that is helping you hide a secret, famous people keeping up appearances....all taking place in the playground of the rich and famous...the Hamptons.
Lilah's sarcastic wit was a good contrast to Kane, the aforementioned brooding former lover. These two are hot with sexual tension and unresolved feelings. I can't get a good read on him yet. Is he good? Is he bad? I can really understand Lilah's frustration with him, because you just don't know.
Murder Notes is definitely one of my top reads of the year so far and I can't wait to get more of Lilah Love

"The devil is in the details."

Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones was a fast, thrilling, suspenseful read. A murder mystery, a who done it type of novel.

Years ago terror spread across the Hamptons. Lilah's life forever changed, and she is trying to move on with her life being an FBI profiler. With moving away from her hometown she thought she could escape the towns demons.... or so she thought.

A series of murders puts Lilah's life on the line.

And soon she races against the clock to figure out why the killer is tracing the murders to her. She must find the killer and fast, to protect not only her career, and loved ones. But with all the evidence pointing to her, people are suspicious. She can't trust anybody, without them turning her in for a crime she didn't commit.

The killer is rather crafty, and is always one step ahead of Lilah.
Tracking her moves, and plotting her demise.

But who could it be?
Why is someone out to take down Lilah?
And let's not forget Kane... her bad boy of an ex, who plays a rather key role in this novel.....
What does he have to hide? or rather Lilah what is she not telling us?

Read to find out!

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
My first crime book in, I don’t know how long. I needed to read this book, because the blurb got me hooked.
The book is the first one in a series. You will need to read this one before you read the next ones.
It started a bit slow and I needed some time to sort all those names and people that appeared throughout the first chapters in the right order and relationship, but after that I was sucked right in. The heroine, Lilah Love, was exactly my type of heroine. Snarky, foul-mouthed and self-confident. She battles her own demons that are not completely related to her job as a profiler at the FBI. Demons from her past pop up here and there and she has to battle them while solving crimes. All of this weaves a net that caught me like a spider catches a fly in her net.
The angst and drama and feelings portrayed through an exceptional writing style made this book a great reading experience that makes me want to pick up more books from this author. It’s an absolute recommendation for readers of crime, drama and angsty books. And also for those who want to dip their toes into the water of crime. This book is really great and I wish more people to pick it up and read about Lilah and Kane.
4.5 stars

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. I've been a Lisa Renee Jones fan since I found one of the Walker Security books free on the store a few years ago. I eagerly devour whatever she writes. The only series that I haven't finished yet is Inside Out, and that's personal choice because I just don't want it to end. This book met my expectations, fast paced, intense, kept you guessing. All the elements I love about LRJ! I knew going in this would end in a cliffhanger, as that's how she always reels you in. I won't deny that I was frustrated at the end, only because I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! I've got the date marked on my calendar as to when book 2 will be out.
This book is a bit different than some of her others as it's not a clear romance, (think Walker Security). It's more of a mystery. Lilah Love is a FBI profiler, with a bit of a history in the Hamptons. She'll tell you all about it, I don't like to do spoilers. Her current case in Cali, has similarities with some New York cases, and she gets sent back home to connect the dots. She doesn't want to be there, her old circle doesn't want her there anymore than she wants to be there. Too many people have secrets and she's not sure who or what she'll expose as this plays out, maybe even her self.

Whoa! This book is quite possibly my favorite Lisa Renee Jones book to date. Murder Notes starts off with a bang, grips you by the lapels and doesn’t even remotely let you go at the end because you are jolted with an ending that leaves you breathless and wishing you had book two waiting to dive into. There are so many twists and turns in this story it leaves you breathless by the time you get to that last sentence. Lilah is one tough FBI agent who is a profiler for the agency in really tough cases, but she has met he match with the case the agency sends her on to solve. The problem is it involves her family and ex lover, and that is the start of one hell of a great suspenseful story. I found it very difficult to put this book down to sleep. If I didn’t have to work, I would have finished it in one day. Loved the intertwining of all the characters, you have your suspicions on who did the crime, but as soon as you think you have figured it out, the author throws another twist your way and you’re left with your jaw hanging down wondering what’s next. There’s no way in hell I would remotely do anything this woman does, staying alone in a house that is clearly being watched, putting herself in situations that you are yelling at her not to, she is definitely struggling with her past and intends on conquering those demons. Loved everything about this book, am very much looking forward to the next book to come my way!

What is there not to love about this…nothing that’s what!
The first in a new series, I thought this hit the ground running and drew me in from the very first chapter, Lilah Love is an FBI profiler, well that was me sold, I needed no more…it was like having my own Criminal Minds whodunit in my hands, I was so excited.
One death on the beach in LA is soon compounded when she heads back to the east coast, her home in New York and a case that shows all the hallmarks of being connected…but was it? And could her ex really be the guy they are looking for or was that just too easy after all his family are certainly well known to the authorities.
Kane Mendez was part of the Mendez Cartel, but he can’t help the business his family have, and Lilah truly believes that he has nothing to do with the crimes, but someone is going to great lengths to try and prove otherwise…but why?
I liked that Lilah was her own woman, she had a lot on her plate, not only with the case but also with family but she was tenacious and determined to find out, not only who keeps leaving her “clues” but also why they have fixated on her and what all this has to do with Kane.
I thought the story was great, I was absorbed and totally engaged and look forward to the next in the series.

Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones was an intense yet possessive story that I never wanted to put down. I can not wait to see what happens next in this spine tingling thriller that left me puzzled and anticipating the next book.

Lilah Love is an FBI agent that helps find killers and her instincts are always on point. I loved how Lilah was always confident and never let fear rule her, she never backed down. But when a series of murders are thrown her way and it leads her back home, nothing is as it seems. You'll be completely mesmerized by Lisa's writing and completely blown away with the turn of events. I never saw it coming.

If you love a story that keeps you guessing and is just as dangerous and addictive as Kane Mendez, you are gonna want to read this one. Kane Mendez owned me the moment he walked back into Lilah's life. His character is one of my favorites.

Can Lilah discover the truth that everyone she loves is hiding from her? Will she find her killer and keep her secret? Will Kane win her heart? You'll most certainly have to one click to find out all the answers. I can't wait for Murder Girl to release so I can continue to find the truth in all of the lies and secrets Lilah finds herself faced with.

I give Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones 5 out of 5 SINISTER STARS!

A new series that revolves around FBI profiler Lilah Love, a tough, foul mouthed woman who great at her job. She also has commitment issues and one heck of a secret from her past that could jeopardize her job if ever revealed.

When dead bodies start piling up all with the same M.O. Lilah is sent back to the place she never wanted to go again – home. This is where her secret lies and only Kane Mendez – the son of Miguel who ran the cartel and who is now heading after his father’s murder – knows what really happened 2 years ago.

There is a gigantic cast of characters in this book. Along with the FBI, her father is the mayor, her brother is the Chief of Police, the man she has been sleeping with (but wants to dump) is a cop, her old mentor and supervisor from her days on the police force, the cartel and last but not least – the killer who taunts Lilah with every kill claiming to know her secret.

Nothing is resolved by the end of the book. I really wish publishers were made to label when the book is a serial (meaning story told in several installments). Ending in the middle of scene is just annoying BUT I liked Lilah, a alpha female with vulnerabilities and Kane, whoa boy does that man drip with mystery, a side a badass and sex appeal and then the hunt for the assassin/killer who may or may not be connected to one or both of them.

Romantic suspense has always been my first love when it comes to reading. It was my go to for years and I devoured everything Lisa Jackson, Nancy Bush, Lisa Gardner wrote. Now I can add Lisa Renee Jones to that list.
Lilah Love is fierce! She is a tell it like it is, no nonsense, kind of girl that thrives on getting in to the mind of the most depraved people. While she comes off as cold and calculated, you come to find out she's a lot more complicated than you first thought. To me, it seemed she is so meticulous with her work because the rest of her life is such a hot mess.
The plot is intriguing and will keep you guessing right up until the cliff hanger ending. For me, it had a bit of everything....crime families, potential political scandal, a brooding former lover that is helping you hide a secret, famous people keeping up appearances....all taking place in the playground of the rich and famous...the Hamptons.
Lilah's sarcastic wit was a good contrast to Kane, the aforementioned brooding former lover. These two are hot with sexual tension and unresolved feelings. I can't get a good read on him yet. Is he good? Is he bad? I can really understand Lilah's frustration with him, because you just don't know.
Murder Notes is definitely one of my top reads of the year so far and I can't wait to get more of Lilah Love

Murder Notes is a fast paced romantic suspense that just grabbed me from the start and pulled me right into the story.

“I was Lilah Love then, but now, damn it, I am Murder Girl. I’m her because dead bodies have a way of talking to me, and if they didn’t, there would be more dead bodies, more murders I didn’t stop.”

FBI profiler, Agent Lilah Love has to return to her hometown while investigating a series of seeming execution style murders. The victims have nothing in common except the method of the murder and the only common thread is Lilah herself.

“My dilemma now becomes, how do I solve this case and not convict myself in the process?”

When Lilah left she left behind Kane Mendez the son of a cartel leader. She needed to keep her distance from that sexy temptation.

“He’s a tall drink of poison that I’ve already swallowed and felt the repercussions from.”

Murder Notes is the first book in a new series featuring FBI Agent Lilah Love and it’s the first book I’ve read by this author. All I can say is I am now a big fan! I can hardly wait for the next book in this series, but I think I’ll check out some more Lisa Renee Jones books while waiting!
-4.5 Stars!!-

"The devil is in the details."

Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones was a fast, thrilling, suspenseful read. A murder mystery, a who done it type of novel.

Years ago terror spread across the Hamptons. Lilah's life forever changed, and she is trying to move on with her life being an FBI profiler. With moving away from her hometown she thought she could escape the towns demons.... or so she thought.

A series of murders puts Lilah's life on the line.

And soon she races against the clock to figure out why the killer is tracing the murders to her. She must find the killer and fast, to protect not only her career, and loved ones. But with all the evidence pointing to her, people are suspicious. She can't trust anybody, without them turning her in for a crime she didn't commit.

The killer is rather crafty, and is always one step ahead of Lilah.
Tracking her moves, and plotting her demise.

But who could it be?
Why is someone out to take down Lilah?
And let's not forget Kane... her bad boy of an ex, who plays a rather key role in this novel.....
What does he have to hide? or rather Lilah what is she not telling us?

Read to find out!

5 Crazy Ass Must Listen Stars!!!!!

Two people made this story. First, Lisa Renee Jones with her superb writing and storylines that get your mind spinning. And second, Grace Grant with her amazing narration.
LRJ continually writes stories that just draw me in. I'm not one to veer toward a murder mystery but when I saw that LRJ newest release was available via Romance Package, I snatched this audio treat right up and dove right in. All I had to see was "Lisa Renee Jones" and "new release" and I was all over it. Then imagine my delight when I saw Grace Grant was the narrator. She has quickly become a favorite of mine with her work on the Mount Trilogy and Savage Trilogy by Meghan March. She just has this was of drawing you in to the story, making you so damn comfortable, and having you ignore the outside world. She brings the characters to life and performs the narration in such a way that it feels like your tossed in that world. This was no different.
Lilah Love is wrapped up in some crazy stuff. So many questions. So many twists. None of my predictions have panned out so LRJ is keeping me on my toes.
I'm eager to get my hands on Murder Girl next. I just wish it was sooner than July. Oh well, I'll be listening to this again to hold me over until then.

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction Blog
My first crime book in, I don’t know how long. I needed to read this book, because the blurb got me hooked.
The book is the first one in a series. You will need to read this one before you read the next ones.
It started a bit slow and I needed some time to sort all those names and people that appeared throughout the first chapters in the right order and relationship, but after that I was sucked right in. The heroine, Lilah Love, was exactly my type of heroine. Snarky, foul-mouthed and self-confident. She battles her own demons that are not completely related to her job as a profiler at the FBI. Demons from her past pop up here and there and she has to battle them while solving crimes. All of this weaves a net that caught me like a spider catches a fly in her net.
The angst and drama and feelings portrayed through an exceptional writing style made this book a great reading experience that makes me want to pick up more books from this author. It’s an absolute recommendation for readers of crime, drama and angsty books. And also for those who want to dip their toes into the water of crime. This book is really great and I wish more people to pick it up and read about Lilah and Kane.
4.5 stars

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review. I've been a Lisa Renee Jones fan since I found one of the Walker Security books free on the store a few years ago. I eagerly devour whatever she writes. The only series that I haven't finished yet is Inside Out, and that's personal choice because I just don't want it to end. This book met my expectations, fast paced, intense, kept you guessing. All the elements I love about LRJ! I knew going in this would end in a cliffhanger, as that's how she always reels you in. I won't deny that I was frustrated at the end, only because I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS! I've got the date marked on my calendar as to when book 2 will be out.
This book is a bit different than some of her others as it's not a clear romance, (think Walker Security). It's more of a mystery. Lilah Love is a FBI profiler, with a bit of a history in the Hamptons. She'll tell you all about it, I don't like to do spoilers. Her current case in Cali, has similarities with some New York cases, and she gets sent back home to connect the dots. She doesn't want to be there, her old circle doesn't want her there anymore than she wants to be there. Too many people have secrets and she's not sure who or what she'll expose as this plays out, maybe even her self.

I loved Murder Notes by Lisa Renee Jones! This was a great read! It was a suspenseful and thrilling ride from beginning to end!

Lilah Love’s is an FBI profiler. It is her job to catch killers, by thinking like them. She is one badass heroine! But she also has a secret she is keeping. One that drove her from home, across the country. But now she is investigating a case that brings her back. But something is not right.

I loved Lilah. She was strong, determined and had no qualms to go after what she wants. But this secret she is hiding is still haunting her. Underneath all that tough exterior, she is a bit lost and broken.

Now that she is back in her hometown, she is facing all kinds of demons, including her ex, who is the only one who knows her secret. Kane was supposed to be her past, but he has always been the one person who really understood her. They have such a love and hate relationship.

I cannot wait to read the next book! This was a great story, but more of a suspense with lots of mystery. Lilah thinks there is more to this case, but the most obvious suspect, is the one person she trusts. What is going to happen? I cannot wait to find out!

4.5 stars! Happy reading!

Murder notes introduces us to Lilah Love a FBI profiler, there have been a number of murders all with the same gunshot wound to the forehead, Lilah is convinced they are not looking for a serial killer but an assassin either killing these people to order or for his/her own reasons.
Her investigation takes her back to her home town in the Hamptons, where her father is Mayor and her brother chief of police, she left over two years ago due to an event that involved the local crime lords son Kane Mendez with whom she had a passionate relationship. The secret is gradually revealed and it is this that has shaped Lilah's life and prevented her from returning home.
As her investigations continue there are lots of suspects and many twists and turns, a lot of them too close to home for Lilah's comfort.
I found the style of this book different to a lot of this authors work, but if anything it added to the way the story unfolds. There is a lot more to be revealed nothing is really wrapped up at all in this book so I await eagerly for the next.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book honestly.