Gray Matters by Dolores Arden is a workplace, cop/doc romance that focuses on the strength of its two leads and how it helps them overcome the most difficult moments to be together.
Remy Devereux is a homicide detective in San Francisco who is frustrated with an unsolved months-long murder investigation sitting on her desk. The frustration at work boils over into her personal life, causing her to be on the skids with her soon-to-be-ex-girlfriend. And to top it all off, she’s been kept up every night dreaming of the gruesome murder scene through the eyes of the killer. It takes all her willpower to stay sane and focused on the case. But then a raven-haired beauty walks into her office, and all thoughts of killers, ex-girlfriends and murderers take a back seat.
Giana Falco has just made the biggest change in her life and moved cross country to be the new forensic scientist at the San Francisco police department, an intentional move after she caught her fiancée cheating on her. New to town and no friends in sight, Giana starts to believe it’s the stupidest move she’s ever made…if it wasn’t for a handsome female detective who seems to draw out desires she never knew existed.
Sparks fly the moment they meet. But Remy knows that falling for a straight woman is a uniquely masochistic kind of folly. For her part, Giana sees no reason why the two of them shouldn’t at least become friends. If only she could convince her heart that’s all she wanted.
The stakes couldn’t be higher as they put their heads together to work the case. The closer they get to the killer, the closer they get to each other. But it’ll take more than a mutual passion to cement their relationship, and they may not have enough time to figure out what that is.
Will Remy and Giana secure their happy ending? Or will past hurts, misunderstandings, and a killer bent on making Giana his next victim rip them apart before they can truly begin?
The Characters
Remy Devereux has all the markings of a great detective. She’s intelligent, inquisitive, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. But she also has a softer side. And that is the side that draws people to her. She cares deeply for her friends, her partner, and especially her family back in New Orleans. The only true flaw is her ability to have a decent relationship. She’s fallen hard for women in the past who broke her heart so deeply the cracks are still apparent. She doesn’t trust easily, and her latest relationship failure has her thinking maybe she needs to put the brakes on romance for a while. It’s a sensible thought until the new forensic scientist walks into her office.
Giana Falco is a woman who knows what she wants and has no time for any excuses. It’s part of the reason she moved cross country to San Francisco. Her ex-fiancée cheated on her, so she decides a change is in order. Right away, she’s out of her element – being in a strange city, and only having one friend has that effect. But when she meets Remy, she feels a connection she’s never experienced before, even with her ex. Soon, Giana is the one calling the shots and pursuing Remy in a way she didn’t think she was capable. It frightens her, yet excites her, and shows her that life in a new city may be the best move she’s ever made.
The Writing Style
This was a murder mystery that was a little different. Arden puts a lot of emphasis on the developing relationship than the actual case itself, and honestly I didn’t mind it. Arden chose to focus on that point where law enforcement isn’t entirely sure if one or two murders are actually the start of a serial killer. By taking this approach, it allows her to highlight Remy and Giana, their evolving relationship, and what they’re dealing with personally. And there is a lot to unpack between these two women. Remy has trust issues, while Giana is getting used to having desires for another woman. And even though all of this is happening in the forefront, the murderer storyline is slowly simmering in the back, waiting patiently. Suddenly, it jumps out and surprises you, and highlights just how strong and smart, and right, these two women are when they work together in any capacity.
My Favourite Parts
I was so happy Giana did not become a damsel in distress. Yes, she does get attacked, but she’s a fighter and that doesn’t change because of an altercation or a threat. It’s a breath of fresh air to have a strong female character stay true to how she was conceived until the last page.
Heads Up
There is a scene where a rape almost happens. The character fights off her would-be attacker, but even the hint of rape or assault can throw some readers off.
The Conclusion
This is Arden’s debut book, and if this is what she gives us right out of the gate, I can’t wait to see what else she delivers. Her characters are intriguing, strong, and sensual. And the mystery surrounding the case has some good twists and turns. I truly felt I was reading a veteran writer by the time I turned the last page. Definitely looking forward to future works from her.
Excerpt from Gray Matters by Dolores Arden
Remy’s trousers were sharp. The pinstripe pattern was subtle, the fabric a good quality wool that tapered nicely toward the ankle. And the fitted vest hugged her torso perfectly. She was shirtless underneath, and Giana ran her eyes up the length of one toned arm, from the large, sculpted hand to the cleft of her deltoid muscle. Remy gave her a sidelong glance but endured the appraisal without comment.
“Sorry,” Giana finally said with a laugh. “I do that sometimes.”
“What’s that. Stare?” There was amusement in her eyes, mixed with something else Giana couldn’t quite pinpoint.
“I like your outfit,” she confessed. “I’m a little obsessed with fashion, you see. And also…I was thinking your arms might actually be longer than my legs.”
Remy snorted. She leaned over to brazenly inspect Giana’s bare legs as she obligingly crossed and recrossed them for her.
“Hmmm. I don’t know…” Remy speculated. “You might be right. But it’s a little hard to tell in those heels.”
Giana lifted one foot, flexing it at the ankle to show off her Manolo Blahniks. “Oh, these,” she said breezily. “They’re new. What do you think? Are they working for me?”
Remy’s grin was enormous. “Oh, gosh. Well…”
“Hello Remy. I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Remy and Giana looked up simultaneously. The blond woman standing in front of them was unsmiling – and absolutely gorgeous.
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Bits and Bobs
- ISBN number: 9781642471960
- Publisher: Bella Books
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