A Harmless Little Ruse by Meli Raine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The second book in the series, ‘A Harmless Little Ruse’ is told from Drew’s POV. I have to say, it worked for me. After the first book, I had a lot of lingering doubts about his sincerity. Seeing things from his perspective really put my fears to rest.
As Lindsay’s father makes his intention to run for President official, Lindsay’s attackers up their game. The text messages are more frequent and increasingly threatening. One of her attackers is even so brazen as to show up at an event of her father’s. Whoever is pulling the strings continues to be above the law and remains an unknown.
While any questions I had about Drew’s loyalty to Lindsay were answered in this book, my hatred for her parents only increased. Lindsay’s parents have got to be some of the worst parents in history. Just when I think they may have a shred of human decency or compassion for their own daughter, their self-serving behaviors surface again. They have to be two of the most selfish, cold-hearted characters that I’ve ever crossed. Their treatment of their daughter is inexcusable. In my opinion, they deserve to suffer the same fate as the attackers. They’re just vile!
Although I didn’t feel like much progress was made toward catching Lindsay’s attackers in this book, there were a few big reveals and twists that made this a worthwhile read. Drew hasn’t been fully forthcoming about the night of the attack. He has a secret and it is a huge one. When it comes to light, I was forced to reevaluate all of the judgments I had made about Drew and his previous treatment of Lindsay. I have to say, I didn’t see it coming.
This book also has Drew and Lindsay coming together as a couple again. In spite of the fact that her parent’s ultimately fire Drew and prohibit Lindsay from seeing him, they are solid. It may take some sneaking around, but they are finally on the same page and working together to bring down the rapists.
There are several twists and turns this time around. I have laid some doubts to rest, only to have new ones surface. Aside from Lindsay and Drew, I’m not sure who can be trusted.
Overall, I thought that this book was an improvement over the first book. There were still some plot holes and details that just didn’t make sense to me. However, I didn’t find them to be incredibly distracting or overwhelming like they were in the first book.
Not surprisingly, this book ends with a huge cliffhanger. That ending — Argh! I’ll have to wait for the final book to see what happens. Luckily, it is expected out by mid-December. I will certainly be picking up a copy to see how things work out for Lindsay and Drew. Let it be known that if they don’t get some justice, I will not be happy.
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