Force
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.The mystery is solved, and another is begun. We know who the follow-up to [b:Shameless|34070314|Shameless (Shameless #1)|M. Malone|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492723166s/34070314.jpg|55080890] & [b:Unashamed|35237184|Unashamed (The Shameless Trilogy Book 3)|M. Malone|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1496246390s/35237184.jpg|56586031] is about, and it's Jonas & JJ (aka Jessica Jones). The new mystery is the one that darkens the path of Ms. Jones, and keeps Jonas' ever-watchful eyes on her. (not that they weren't already...)
There's a brief catch-up chapter at the beginning of this book (it's actually [b:Forceful |35833429|Forceful (FREE, Enemies to Lovers, Military Romance, Shameless Series)|M. Malone|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1501100364s/35833429.jpg|57340028]) that tells us where the gang has been. Unsurprisingly, it hasn't been all wine and roses since finding Rafe. I'm guessing there will be more tension down the road between the guys, but that will come later.
For now, we're discussing JJ and Jonas. From the brief glimpses of her in the Shameless books, I wasn't sure how much I'd like JJ in her own story. I was delighted to find out that she became three-dimensional very quickly. Her backstory was 100% plausible and fit in with the overall arc of the characters incredibly well. It explains her attitude and connection with Lucia, and also most of her prickliness.
I loved getting to know Jonas better! It's difficult to drag backstory out of these guys I'm guessing, they're all so mysterious and broody. (haha) But truly, they're all HARD-CORE ALPHAs. He's been watching JJ for a while, but once he notices her strange behavior and sees the actual danger to her person - he is ON IT.
Here's where I mention that JJ does not WANT him to be on it. Not in the least. That does not preclude her from wanting him to be on other things, but definitely not nosing around in her past. That is better off left dormant, never to be heard of again. It would just hurt the people around her - especially Lucia.
Once Jonas is on the case, not-so-wacky hijinx ensue. Because JJ knows how to duck a tail... that is, until Jonas.
Fair warning, you should know this is another short series, so it ends on a cliffhanger. The next book comes out very soon though, so you won't have long to wait for a continuation of the story. I loved the Shameless books, and the Malones haven't let me down with Force.
FIVE SOLID AS A ROCK STARS. I. WAS. ON. IT.