What do you think?
Rate this book
Heartbreaker #2
Dealing Double
Falling in love can leave anyone feeling a little exposed…
Archaeologist Gabby Knight has been living under an assumed identity to steer clear of her mobster father’s enemies. But when she suspects her father of plotting to steal a priceless statue buried in New Mexico, she risks everything and sets out for the desert to beat him to it—and to save him from making a grave mistake. Breaking into a secluded cabin to wait out a blizzard, she’s not worried about visitors. It’s not like anyone would be traveling in this kind of weather…right?
Wrong. Detective Jake Morris has been ordered to take an overdue vacation, so he’s looking for some quiet time in the isolated retreat. But getting clobbered over the head by an auburn-haired firecracker wielding a cast-iron pan wasn’t the relaxing start he had in mind. Using a lot of charm and a little help from his prophetic ex-wife, Dani, he soon discovers who the sexy intruder really is.
Serving justice is in Jake’s blood, so he can’t help but join Gabby on her quest to protect the statue and catch a thief. To properly do his job, Jake knows he can flirt but better not fall. After all, what kind of future could a cop and a mobster’s daughter hope to have?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 13, 2018
About the author
Tamra Baumann
14 books518 followersTamra Baumann is an award-winning author of light-hearted contemporary romance and cozy mystery. A reality-show junkie, she justifies her addiction by telling others she’s scouting for potential character material. She adamantly denies she’s actually living vicariously in their closets. Tamra resides with her real-life characters—her husband, kids, and their adorable golden doodle in the sunny Southwest. Visit her online at: www.tamrabaumann.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 30, 2018
MY RATING: 3/5 STARS
I received a copy from Thomas Allen and Sons in exchange for a honest review.
Dealing Double was one of those romantic comedies that promise a lot for its synopsis and adorable cover but sadly, I found myself not liking it as much as I wanted to. The book follows Gabby Knight, an archaeologist, and also, daughter of a crime king. She's been living her life incognito for the most part because of her father's checkered past and if I didn't tell you right now, you would probably think this book would be written in a darker note. Surprisingly, Tamra found a way to make it light and fun for readers. Gabby's father turned out to be nicer, warmer, and kind of normal except for the fact that he commits a lot of crime to earn the big bucks.
So anyways, when an artifact is stolen and all signs point to Gabby's father, she's convinced to stop him before bigger consequences occurs. Of course, she doesn't want to see her father behind bars but also, she wants to keep the artifact a national treasure and not sold off on the black market. Gabby was that committed to her job. So when Gabby followed the trail that led her into a forest with cabin territory, she decided to break into one to ward off the winter cold. Little did she know, she stumbled right into a sexy detective's cabin. Ha! Fast forward to Gabby hitting him over the head with a cast iron frying pan, she held him hostage for a bit before finally giving into his trusting nature and they're off on this wild goose chase to find out who exactly stole the artifact.
While the story was entertaining at times, I found it to be long winded at points. Tamra wrote this story in a way that it sounded like it was all said in one long breath. Gabby and our hero, Jake, bounced off each other in their conversations a little to well and it sort of made my brain tired from how witty/charming they were with each other respectively. It felt like I was watching a tennis match, the ball moving from one side of the court to the next, making me weary of if there was any direction in the story. As for the main plot, I must also admit that it didn't intrigue me. I didn't care about the artifact. I didn't care if Gabby's father went to jail. I just wanted hot steamy romance scenes.
And I was disappointed that it didn't happen as much as I would have liked or how it happened. Jake wanted to have fun while Gabby yearned for something more, ultimately giving into it in the end. Then they just sort of fell for each other and that was that. I also found myself skimming a lot of the last a hundred pages having lost interest.
MY RECOMMENDATION
I recommend this romance to anyone who wants a little more plot to their romance and a little low simmering heat to their story as well.
February 9, 2018
This is the 6th Baumann book I have read, and once again, she has delighted me.
Who?
• Jake - A workaholic detective with one failed marriage under his belt and a ton of other "baggage", which is getting in the way of him finding his Mrs. Right.
• Gabby - An archaeologist, who's family ties force her to live under a sort of protective custody, and kept her from having any meaningful romantic relationship.
What?
After his involvement in a shooting, Jake is forced to take a vacation. Upon his arrival to the cabin, he painfully meets Gabby and becomes entangled in her search for a stole artifact. He agreed to help her find the misappropriated statues, but he'd also like to help her find some romance.
Why?
I loved Jake in Seeing Double and was excited that he would be getting his HEA. He was once again in fine form in this book, being his charming and witty self, but we got to see what was going on beneath the surface.
Jake's backstory was heartbreaking, and it helped explain a lot of his behaviors. It was wonderful to see him opening up and growing, and though I adored Dani, I thought Gabby was a better match for him. Due to her circumstances, Gabby was able to relate to Jake on a different level, and they were able to find a special kind of comfort in each other. They also had great chemistry, and Gabby definitely knew how to handle Jake.
I laughed a whole lot during the first part of the book, as Gabby and Jake were first navigating each other at the cabin. I will admit, I was not as into the suspense portion of the story, but Baumann infused it with enough humor and heat to keep me interested. I loved getting to catch up with Dani and her mom, and that ending!! The ending made me so happy. Baumann did an excellent job tying up loose ends, and putting a great big grin on my face.
Overall: A fun romance with a little suspense, some heat, and lots of laughs.
Who?
• Jake - A workaholic detective with one failed marriage under his belt and a ton of other "baggage", which is getting in the way of him finding his Mrs. Right.
• Gabby - An archaeologist, who's family ties force her to live under a sort of protective custody, and kept her from having any meaningful romantic relationship.
What?
After his involvement in a shooting, Jake is forced to take a vacation. Upon his arrival to the cabin, he painfully meets Gabby and becomes entangled in her search for a stole artifact. He agreed to help her find the misappropriated statues, but he'd also like to help her find some romance.
Why?
I loved Jake in Seeing Double and was excited that he would be getting his HEA. He was once again in fine form in this book, being his charming and witty self, but we got to see what was going on beneath the surface.
Jake's backstory was heartbreaking, and it helped explain a lot of his behaviors. It was wonderful to see him opening up and growing, and though I adored Dani, I thought Gabby was a better match for him. Due to her circumstances, Gabby was able to relate to Jake on a different level, and they were able to find a special kind of comfort in each other. They also had great chemistry, and Gabby definitely knew how to handle Jake.
I laughed a whole lot during the first part of the book, as Gabby and Jake were first navigating each other at the cabin. I will admit, I was not as into the suspense portion of the story, but Baumann infused it with enough humor and heat to keep me interested. I loved getting to catch up with Dani and her mom, and that ending!! The ending made me so happy. Baumann did an excellent job tying up loose ends, and putting a great big grin on my face.
Overall: A fun romance with a little suspense, some heat, and lots of laughs.
December 29, 2017
This book contains on-screen sex but only mild cursing (no f-bombs). If sex in a book offends you, it is easily skipped over. Although you do not have to read the first book in this series because this story totally stands alone, reading Seeing Double will help explain Dani and Jake's relationship better and give insight into Dani's unique abilities.
I've said it before - I am not a big fan of paranormal-ish storylines, but the elements of “woo-woo” in this one are minimal and, as with Seeing Double, were fun and interesting rather than eye-roll worthy. Ms. Baumann just has a way of making woo-woo work.
I have to admit that I struggled with Jake in the first book, but I really wanted to see him get his happily ever after, so I was thrilled when Ms. Baumann made him the hero of this story. Although he is still rigid and difficult at times, I absolutely loved his sense of humor and his ability to roll with the punches...um, literally. Gabby was also incredibly likable. She was a bit naive and impulsive, but her intentions were good and she was surprisingly hilarious. The banter between she and Jake had me laughing out loud and highlighting passages as I read. I do love it when a book can make me laugh.
On paper Jake and Gabby make absolutely zero sense, but they were perfect for each other from the very start and I loved their story. Although this book had a great happily ever after (and epilogue) and it was really well-written, I found myself being disappointed as I came to the end because I just didn't want their story to end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written romantic comedy with a little bit of suspense and intrigue, and a whole lot of sexual tension. You really can't go wrong with a Tamra Baumann book and this one is no exception.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book and leave an honest review.
I've said it before - I am not a big fan of paranormal-ish storylines, but the elements of “woo-woo” in this one are minimal and, as with Seeing Double, were fun and interesting rather than eye-roll worthy. Ms. Baumann just has a way of making woo-woo work.
I have to admit that I struggled with Jake in the first book, but I really wanted to see him get his happily ever after, so I was thrilled when Ms. Baumann made him the hero of this story. Although he is still rigid and difficult at times, I absolutely loved his sense of humor and his ability to roll with the punches...um, literally. Gabby was also incredibly likable. She was a bit naive and impulsive, but her intentions were good and she was surprisingly hilarious. The banter between she and Jake had me laughing out loud and highlighting passages as I read. I do love it when a book can make me laugh.
On paper Jake and Gabby make absolutely zero sense, but they were perfect for each other from the very start and I loved their story. Although this book had a great happily ever after (and epilogue) and it was really well-written, I found myself being disappointed as I came to the end because I just didn't want their story to end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written romantic comedy with a little bit of suspense and intrigue, and a whole lot of sexual tension. You really can't go wrong with a Tamra Baumann book and this one is no exception.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book and leave an honest review.
February 6, 2018
Gabby Knight has really gotten herself into a mess this time. While trying to keep her mobbed up father from making a huge mistake by stealing a priceless statue, Gabby gets stranded at a remote cabin during a crazy blizzard when she tries to get to the statue before her father does. When she finds the cabin she thinks she should be safe but that changes quickly when Detective Jake Morris shows up at the cabin his ex-wife owns. Jake has been forced to take some time off and getting away to the cabin seems like a great place to relax. Not so much! He's shocked to find Gabby Knight there and even more surprised when he finds himself getting pulled into her crazy scheme.
This was a very enjoyable read. It does have some very minor paranormal elements but they don't play heavily in the story. I definitely recommend this one.
This was a very enjoyable read. It does have some very minor paranormal elements but they don't play heavily in the story. I definitely recommend this one.
January 17, 2018
I loved this book. It is a stand-alone book but reading the first book gives you a better understanding of Jakes relationship with his ex-wife Dani who is in this book also. Jake is a cop who is on mandatory leave. He heads up to the cabin owned by Dani and her fiance. Once he gets there he meets Gabby Knight, a mobsters daughter, who is trying to find a statue buried in that area.
Jake and Gabby have instant chemistry. I will say at first I thought Jake was kind of irritating from the first book and expected it in this book, but wow!! I ended up loving Jake. You learn about his past and what makes him the way he is. You see him grow throughout the book. And the way he treats Gabby is so sweet. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
Jake and Gabby have instant chemistry. I will say at first I thought Jake was kind of irritating from the first book and expected it in this book, but wow!! I ended up loving Jake. You learn about his past and what makes him the way he is. You see him grow throughout the book. And the way he treats Gabby is so sweet. I highly recommend this book, you won't be disappointed.
February 17, 2018
This book is an highly entertaining romp featuring a former mob princess and a by-the-books cop who become unwitting partners in a mysterious game of cat and mouse as they try to recover a stolen ancient artifact. I enjoyed the lighthearted, flirtatious repartee and simmering sexuality between Gabby and Jake but it was Gabby’s fears and Jake’s shattered childhood that drew me in to the story. There is also plenty of intrigue and danger that is guaranteed to keep the reader on the edge of their seat because of the many twists and turns in this complex and engaging storyline. This book is a gem. I read a early copy of this book through NetGalley and all opinions expressed in my voluntary review are completely my own.
April 10, 2018
I received Dealing Double in a Goodreads giveaway in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have to say that I found Dealing Double to be one of the cutest romances I've read in a while. Gabby meets Jake when she finds herself in the middle of a search for historic statues. Gabby pulls Jake into her search and into her heart when she breaks into his cabin to find refuge. The book is fast paced and takes the reader on a journey from New Mexico to London to DC as the duo search for and find the statues and find a relationship as well. The chemistry between Jake and Gabby pulled me in and at the end of the book I was left smiling, happy for the two of them.
I would definitely recommend this cute romance to anyone looking for a quick, satisfying read.
I have to say that I found Dealing Double to be one of the cutest romances I've read in a while. Gabby meets Jake when she finds herself in the middle of a search for historic statues. Gabby pulls Jake into her search and into her heart when she breaks into his cabin to find refuge. The book is fast paced and takes the reader on a journey from New Mexico to London to DC as the duo search for and find the statues and find a relationship as well. The chemistry between Jake and Gabby pulled me in and at the end of the book I was left smiling, happy for the two of them.
I would definitely recommend this cute romance to anyone looking for a quick, satisfying read.
January 28, 2019
Jake and Gabi meet under odd circumstances after Gabi breaks into Dani's (Jake's ex-wife) cabin that Jake is supposed to be staying in while on administrative leave from his job as a detective. When Jake determines that Gabi is in need of assistance in recovering stolen property, he might just get more than he bargained for when he agrees to help.
This is book 2 in the Heartbreaker series. Some of the characters from book 1 play an active role in this book as well, so I would recommend reading the series in order.
This is book 2 in the Heartbreaker series. Some of the characters from book 1 play an active role in this book as well, so I would recommend reading the series in order.
March 2, 2018
Gabby is trying to make things right for her job. She ends up in a cabin with a Jake Morris. Her father is looking for her but she knows he is behind her problems right now. Together with Jake they will figure out how to make things right again. Their romance starts blooming as well until a secret comes from his end.
This book had everything from laughter, suspense and romance. An all around great read,
** I received a copy of this book fro NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
This book had everything from laughter, suspense and romance. An all around great read,
** I received a copy of this book fro NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
April 26, 2018
Will they? won't they novel
A romantic novel embedded in a crime thriller. I really liked the beginning of the novel where two attractive people meet at a low point for each of them. The circumstances of their meeting leads to a bit of a comedy of errors. As the plot develops there is a sense of jeopardy. As the crime is solved and the plot concentrates on their relationship it seemed to lose its way. But all in all a good escapism read.
A romantic novel embedded in a crime thriller. I really liked the beginning of the novel where two attractive people meet at a low point for each of them. The circumstances of their meeting leads to a bit of a comedy of errors. As the plot develops there is a sense of jeopardy. As the crime is solved and the plot concentrates on their relationship it seemed to lose its way. But all in all a good escapism read.
June 6, 2018
Gabby had a plan to find a priceless statue before her father can. She finds an empty house and breaks in to cover her tracks. When Jake returns to his home and finds her camped out, she takes him hostage so she doesn't get caught. Pretty quickly, Jake is along for the ride trying to help her with her quest to find the statue. The plot was intriguing and I really enjoyed the romance between the characters. I would highly recommend this one.
August 16, 2018
Love Conquers All
I enjoyed this book, very easy to follow even though some of it was predictable, it is the type of book no concentration needed as it is all about Jake the police detective and Dani the daughter of a mobster. One day Dani who has been used to growing up locked away because
of the threat of being killed by the very team that killed her her mum and brother. Some misunderstandings happen along the way, not a complicated story, enjoyable.
I enjoyed this book, very easy to follow even though some of it was predictable, it is the type of book no concentration needed as it is all about Jake the police detective and Dani the daughter of a mobster. One day Dani who has been used to growing up locked away because
of the threat of being killed by the very team that killed her her mum and brother. Some misunderstandings happen along the way, not a complicated story, enjoyable.
January 11, 2018
3.5
Mostly contemporary, but kind of "paranormal-ish." She is rushing to find an artifact before her mafia dad. She takes shelter in an "abandoned" cabin. He shows up on a mini-vacation in the cabin his ex is letting him borrow.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
Mostly contemporary, but kind of "paranormal-ish." She is rushing to find an artifact before her mafia dad. She takes shelter in an "abandoned" cabin. He shows up on a mini-vacation in the cabin his ex is letting him borrow.
This review is based on the ARC provided by the author and/or the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 19, 2018
Statues of Limitations
First read by this author. I really enjoyed this story. I liked both the H & h along with the other cast of characters. Finding love and holding on to it. Gabby is trying to stop her father from doing something she thinks he's done. Jake is trying to help and protect her. From New Mexico to London is was a fun ride.
First read by this author. I really enjoyed this story. I liked both the H & h along with the other cast of characters. Finding love and holding on to it. Gabby is trying to stop her father from doing something she thinks he's done. Jake is trying to help and protect her. From New Mexico to London is was a fun ride.
April 18, 2018
What a great read! Not as snarky as the first book, but more suspense elements. Jake is really trying to change his thinking, and he needed a strong lady to snap his head. Gabby fits for him. He still gets to be the detective, even without his badge. I loved that Jake had to realize that life isn't completely black and white.
August 21, 2018
3.5 stars
Light and entertaining even if the author sometimes doesn't get the technical details right. For example, in felony cases like money laundering or racketeering there is no plaintiff who could die as these cases are brought by the government.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
Light and entertaining even if the author sometimes doesn't get the technical details right. For example, in felony cases like money laundering or racketeering there is no plaintiff who could die as these cases are brought by the government.
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
October 22, 2019
I am so happy that Jake finally go his happily ever after in the second book. Dani plays a good part of this book but for the most part it is about archeologist Gabby who is on a mission. Gabby makes her way into a cabin and that is when she meets Jake. Super cute story line and I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 23, 2020
2.5 stars
Hmmmm. I had a hard time connecting with the H & h - they just didn't seem to have chemistry. I think it's the writer's style - her romantic/sexytimes scenes are a little awkwardly written. There's also a lot of rushing around from place to place, and it got pretty tiresome after a while.
So it ended up being okay, but not more than that.
Hmmmm. I had a hard time connecting with the H & h - they just didn't seem to have chemistry. I think it's the writer's style - her romantic/sexytimes scenes are a little awkwardly written. There's also a lot of rushing around from place to place, and it got pretty tiresome after a while.
So it ended up being okay, but not more than that.
February 19, 2018
Great read
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I want to read the other books in this series. Jake and Gabby are an unlikely couple who fall in love. A cop and the daughter of a mobster.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. I want to read the other books in this series. Jake and Gabby are an unlikely couple who fall in love. A cop and the daughter of a mobster.
February 25, 2018
Loved loved loved
Awesome as good as the first I really loved the new love interest for Jake. Read it in one day but I felt like I didn’t want the story to end I need more can’t wait for the next book in series
Awesome as good as the first I really loved the new love interest for Jake. Read it in one day but I felt like I didn’t want the story to end I need more can’t wait for the next book in series
February 25, 2018
I received this e-book free through Goodreads First Read.
I loved the mystery along with the cute romance throughout this book. Their was enough suspense/mystery to keep you hooked.
You do not have to read the first book in this series to understands what happens.
I loved the mystery along with the cute romance throughout this book. Their was enough suspense/mystery to keep you hooked.
You do not have to read the first book in this series to understands what happens.
February 25, 2018
Very enjoyable read.
This series was my first read by this author. I loved the characters as they all felt real. The book was entertaining and I will be looking to reading more of her books.
This series was my first read by this author. I loved the characters as they all felt real. The book was entertaining and I will be looking to reading more of her books.
February 26, 2018
Dealing Double!
This book was a real page turner. Jake, in this book revealed all of his issues and why his marriage didn't work out. This book has action, mystery and love. This is a must read.
This book was a real page turner. Jake, in this book revealed all of his issues and why his marriage didn't work out. This book has action, mystery and love. This is a must read.
March 3, 2018
Fun read
I loved this book. It was funny, sweet and a good plot. This story moved at a good pace and I didn't get bored and skip pages like I do with a lot of books. I plan to read more of her book.
I loved this book. It was funny, sweet and a good plot. This story moved at a good pace and I didn't get bored and skip pages like I do with a lot of books. I plan to read more of her book.
May 3, 2018
Even better than the first book.This was a really good read with plenty of suspense and mystery it was also a really fun read this book pulled me right in and did not let go.A really good plot and good characters I am really enjoying this series and cannot wait to read more from Tamra
July 31, 2018
I really wanted to like this one, I have really enjoyed quite a few books by this author and adored the first book in this series.
Unfortunately this one did not really do it for me, I really love Jake and was excited for his story but I didn’t really like Gabby at all. Gabby and her backstory was just meh for me.
Maybe I’m in a mood, and I’ll give it a try another day...
Unfortunately this one did not really do it for me, I really love Jake and was excited for his story but I didn’t really like Gabby at all. Gabby and her backstory was just meh for me.
Maybe I’m in a mood, and I’ll give it a try another day...
February 11, 2020
Truly enjoyed this book. I liked it better than the first one and so glad to see that Jake got his own story. Loved the development of his character and that of Gabby's. Their banter was fun and often had me laughing out loud.
July 20, 2020
Good
It was a good book for the series. I felt Jake was a mysterious person in the first book so it was nice to see him be the main character. Only thing I didn’t like was the book was slow at times with not getting to the next thing
It was a good book for the series. I felt Jake was a mysterious person in the first book so it was nice to see him be the main character. Only thing I didn’t like was the book was slow at times with not getting to the next thing
February 16, 2018
Wonderful
I won this book through Goodreads. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. So much excitement. I loved it
I won this book through Goodreads. Once I started reading it, I didn't want to put it down. So much excitement. I loved it
February 28, 2018
Excellent
A perfect balance of adventure and romance. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. A +.
A perfect balance of adventure and romance. Can not wait to read the next book in this series. A +.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews