Early Review of Simon Says Die by Lena Diaz

Title: Simon Says Die
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Avon Impulse (April 17, 2012)
ISBN-10: 0062136364
ISBN-13: 978-0062136367
Author's Website: http://lenadiaz.com/


The city of Savannah is home to one of the newest serial killers. The police have nicknamed him Simon Says, as he leaves notes on the bodies of his victims that read, "Simon says die". Special Agent Pierce Buchanan was assigned to the task force investigating the murders and was diligently working with others to put an end to the murder and mayhem. When his best friend, Logan, who was out of the country on his honeymoon, asked Pierce to check on his sister, Madison, he did so. He had almost proposed to Madison once upon a time, but she ended the relationship before he ever had a chance to remove the engagement ring from his pocket. He was not looking forward to seeing her again. He knew it would be a painful reunion for him, but he never expected just how painful it would be--within a matter of minutes from knocking on the door he'd end up with a couple of bruised ribs and a bullet wound.

Madison recently moved to Savannah. She bought a house but didn't move into it right away. When Mrs. Whitmire, the lady she'd hired to manage her property called to ask why she'd fired the management company, she found out someone had sent a letter pretending to be her cancelling the service. That was when Madison decided to go to Savannah and investigate what was going on. After assuring Mrs. Whitmire that she had not sent the letter nor had she signed it, she reinstate all the services and decided to finally make the big move into her new home. That was when she started noticing someone watching her. She'd called the police several times about the man she'd seen outside her home, but by the time the police would finally manage to show up to investigate, the man would be gone. After the third call, the police made it clear that they thought she was looking for attention and making up stories about an alleged stalker. That was when she decided to take matters into her own hands and follow the man. It never occurred to her the man might be armed, nor that she could be endangering herself. She was just fed up. When she finally got a look at the man, she hadn't expected to recognize him. But recognize him she did. It was her husband who had died over 18 months ago, only he didn't look so dead now...

This was such a great romantic suspense story. The doubt cast as to whether Madison's former husband was alive was an excellent plot enhancer. I loved all the drama and surprises the author threw at us as the story progressed. There was never a dull moment. Plus, I loved all the complicated emotional baggage that is attached to a couple that have previously been lovers, but whose relationship has ended, but maybe shouldn't have.

Pierce is a dreamy character. He's described as "strong, solid, reliable, and sexy as hell." He's also smart, sensitive, loyal and gorgeous. I love how even though it's emotionally difficult for him, he goes to check on Madison. I loved his family, which Madison gets to meet, and how they are so protective of him.

Madison was a character with a strong personality who seemed at times incapable of thinking things through. She'd act first and think later. Her brother's nickname for her was trouble, and trouble is definitely what she kept finding herself in. She's described as having built a "tough, sarcastic shield to hide her true emotions." Her outlook is said to have been "jaded" because she was raised by an over protective brother "who constantly warned her how dangerous the world was." She was also afraid to commit to another permanent relationship because her first marriage wasn't the loving, happy marriage she had hoped for.

Favorite lines/quotes:

- "I'm not a 'friends with benefits' kind of guy. I want it all, Mads. All, or nothing."

- "Someone has to take you in hand, and protect the world from you."

- "Jealousy was a useless emotion, and Madison Hated being in its grips."


Overall, this one gets a 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. It was suspenseful, entertaining, and a very enjoyable read. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a FAN rating - the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice. There were definitely a lot of sparks and flares before these two finally ignited their relationship.

Order of series (of which I couldn't find the name):