Having a suspense/romance novel about drug dealers using innocent people is so played out until you read The Boardwalk. Undercover cops falling for the story female character are so over written until you read The Boardwalk. This book was a refreshing change, all the characters, Mario and Brooklyn and their friends and foes work so well together. It all works!

There is nothing overdone in this book. From the the way even the drug traffickers are written to the building relationship of Mario and Brooklyn-this all adds up to a fantastic, rich story I loved all the way to the ending. Yes it is an HEA, but everyone needs that. Karen Cino is a rich storyteller who drops you in to this seaside town by vividly describing details until you can smell the tangy salt air and hear the ocean waves while tasting the delicious food they are eating-the bread and eggplant parm!! I think I might have gained weight!! But it’s all good, right?

She can also remind you of the nastiness of things and how clever and evil that part of life is, makes me want to look at almost everything in a whole new light. Brooklyn and her best friend Lynn are like a modern era Lucy and Ethel, they stick by each other through it all pain, sadness, and yes, even unwittingly being involved in drugs. Oh did I mention Lynn hitting it off with Mario’s partner? Or maybe that is for another story. Fantastic job, Ms. Cino!

-Reviewed by Khriste

Buy it now:  Amazon