Book Review: Dixon’s Duty by Jenna Byrnes

Title: Dixon’s Duty
Series: Kansas City Heat, Book 1
Author: Jenna Byrnes
Genre: Romantic Suspense, M/M Romance
Sensuality Rating: Erotic
Source: bought
Published: May 9, 2014 by Pride Publishing

A serial rapist and murderer on the loose. Will Kansas City’s finest solve the case before the madman strikes again?

Detective James Dixon is determined to track down the most recent serial killer terrorising the people of Kansas City. The chase leads him to the Last Chance Bar and Grille, where he meets and immediately falls for the sexy owner, Bryan Scott. But things at the bar aren’t exactly as they seem.

No one there remembers seeing the latest victim the night before she was brutally murdered. So why do the clues keep pointing back to the Last Chance? When the attacks strike close to home, Dix and Bryan must work together to save the next victim and whatever chance they have for happiness.

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Reviewed by: Crissy

Why I Read This Book: I love a good mystery. I also love the good guys getting their man in all ways implied.

In A Nutshell: This is a sweet story of love and suspense. Whereas, it’s overly sweet sometimes and a little bit predictable, it’s still a good and easy read.

The Setup: When a serial murder case leads James Dixon and his partner into Lucky Strike, where he meets Bryan—the proprietor. In the middle of an investigation, Dixon finds love when he least expects it, but danger is lurking around the corner, threatening to take away everything he holds dear.

What I Liked: I really liked Bryan’s daughter, Sam. The kid has spunk and regardless of what she’s told to do, she is her own person. Sam is the catalyst to most of this book. She’s strong-willed and vibrant. I like that. Also, I liked the investigation aspect. Even though it’s a bit predictable, it gives the plot some adventure and mystery.

What I Didn’t Like: Everything in this book happens at light speed—the relationship between Dix and Bryan, the investigation, the resolution. It’s all so quick. If you blink you’ll miss it. I had a tough time believing that after two dates and a ton of drama Dixon and Bryan were in love. Nothing quite fit with that relationship. I was left unsatisfied and, most of all, uninterested. Individually, the guys are decent, but together they are lacking.

Also there are several instances where the author brings up things—for example, the way the bar was empty for lunch the first time they walked in but never since then—that seemed at the time like they would have some significance to the story, especially since they were pointed out and brought up more than once. But it turns out those little things were absolutely nothing. It was strange and somewhat off-putting.

In My Opinion: Dixon’s Duty was far too short. It could have benefited from better characterizations and relationship building. As it is, it’s not a book I’d look forward to reading again.

Crissy’s Rating: