Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones

Release Date: June 11, 2013
Publisher: Pauline Baird Jones
Series: The Big Uneasy

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

Synopsis:
After running down the would-be carjacker, Nell Whitby finds herself in a world of trouble not even she could have ever imagined. She moved to New Orleans a couple of years earlier to start a new life for herself. What she finds is a lot more than she anticipated.

Alex Baker, homicide detective and near victim of a carjacker, knows a thing or two about connections. One of several cops in his family line, he trusts his gut when it tells him something's wrong. And with Nell, there's a whole lot wrong. Going up against some of the most well-connected people in New Orleans places both Nell and Alex in the path of harm. Can they keep from becoming a ghost in a city full of them?

Review:
I won this book through a free giveaway at Goodreads.com. By the number of pages in the book, you think it's going to take a long while to read, but it doesn't. The story is really engaging and keeps you wanting to know more than the characters are willing to tell or investigate. I found myself coming back to the book time and again to snatch a few more pages whenever I had a free moment.

The first in a series, Jones sets the groundwork in this book. I was concerned that it would be a simple information dump with some romance sprinkled here or there. In all honesty, it was a really well-woven story that gave just enough information as necessary at the appropriate time. Not all the answers are given by the end of the book - hence the series. But it does give a satisfying conclusion to many of the questions we, the readers, have at the beginning.

Though there is some romantic moments in the story, they add to the story and not overwhelm it. There is a progression of emotions and feelings by those involved that does lend a realistic feeling to the characters. I couldn't help but chuckle as one or more of the characters were increasingly frustrated by events beyond their control. Not entirely in the romance department either. Each character had his or her own life within the pages and it made for an enjoyable read.

Despite taking a step out of my reading comfort zone, I really enjoyed the blend of romance and mystery/suspense within this book. I want to know more about the power struggle within the city - on both sides of the law - as well as what happens to some of the characters I grew to like. If you're looking for an exciting and quirky ride through New Orleans, pick up this book!

Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones is currently available for purchase in paperback, audio-book and Kindle/e-book formats. You can buy a copy through Amazon at the link provided below.
Relatively Risky (The Big Uneasy Book 1) by Pauline Baird Jones