Book Review: Overkill by Sandra Brown

Overkill was a great story that had me caught up in the emotion and drama as everything played out. I was hooked!

Overkill by Sandra Brown

#1 New York Times bestselling author Sandra Brown delivers a riveting thriller in which a conflict of conscience for a former football star and an ambitious state prosecutor swiftly intensifies into a fight for their lives.

Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger hasn’t seen his ex-wife, Rebecca Pratt, for some time—not since their volatile marriage imploded—so he’s shocked to receive a life-altering call about her. Rebecca has been placed on life support after a violent assault, and he—despite their divorce—has medical power-of-attorney. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off of it. Buckling under the weight of the responsibility and the glare of public scrutiny, Zach ultimately walks away, letting Rebecca's parents have the final say.

Four years later, Rebecca's attacker, Eban—the scion of a wealthy family in Atlanta—gets an early release from prison. The ludicrous miscarriage of justice reeks of favoritism, and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. Rebecca’s parents have kept her alive all these years, but if her condition were to change—if she were to die—Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder.

It isn’t lost on Zach that in order for Eban to be charged with Rebecca’s murder, Zach must actually be the one to kill her. He rejects Kate’s legal standpoint but can’t resist their ill-timed attraction to each other. Eban, having realized the jeopardy he’s in, plots to make certain that neither Zach nor Kate lives to see the death of Rebecca—and the end of his freedom.

3.5 out of 5 stars

I felt drawn into Overkill right from the start. I liked the little twists along the way as the story built, details emerged, and Zach and Kate connected. Overall, I thought this was a great read with a sweet romance and a light suspense element mixed together making for a captivating story.

I really liked Zach and Kate meeting and getting to know one another while dealing with Eban and the turmoil and conflict Zach had because of his ex-wife. I felt drawn into his predicament, there was a lot of anguish and pain there. I also liked the conflict Zach and Kate faced because of her position but I could feel the chemistry they had in spite of it.

I thought the romance and drama balanced well but they both felt more subdued and low-key to me, I found myself wanting more. I wanted more passion and substance between Kate and Zach. I did love all the different perspectives and voices and how they made the story feel rich and full. It was the build as everything developed, layers unfolded, and truths were learned about all the different character's motivations that had me turning the page. There were some tough subjects touched upon and I thought it was handled well. I enjoyed the conclusion and was happy Zach and Kate got their happily ever after but there were some things I thought that were wrapped up too easily.

Bottom line, this was a quick, easy read that I felt invested in, I found the story exciting.

Complimentary copy received from Grand Central Publishing.