If She Only Knew: The Cahills, Book 1

I wavered on this one between 2 & 3 stars. I finally settled on three because I think a 2.5 would be the most accurate, but we can't give half-star ratings here.The premise of this book was promising, and the first 60-70% of the book was actually pretty good. There is a great mystery in this one about Marla. Did she really survive the wreck? Or is she someone else? But then, why would her family pretend like she's Marla if she's an imposter?Marla is likeable through most of the book (until you hit the 60-70% marker that I mentioned before). That's roughly the point that this one started going off the rails for me and became wholly unappealing. I just flat out didn't like the person that Marla was ultimately revealed to be. I won't go into too many specifics so I don't ruin anything for folks who are planning to read this book, but when the truth was revealed, I lost all respect, sympathy, or any remotely "good" feelings for Marla.Nick, on the other hand, I liked. I thought he was a good guy all the way through. What I didn't like was the fact that he fell for Marla and declared his love for her (a very quick turnaround, I might add). I couldn't believe he was actually that stupid, so that was disappointing.From my view, this was not a "romance" novel. I know that some other people have complained about this being too much of a romance novel, which is ridiculous. I guess those people don't like any hint of close interpersonal relationships in their reading material. I am not like that. I generally prefer romantic suspense, as I like some mystery/intrigue along with a romantic relationship between the H and h. I read plenty of romances and for me, this story doesn't remotely qualify. Lisa Jackson writes a lot of books that fall into this rather murky category - they are mostly mystery/suspense stories, but she throws in a splash of a romantic element, I guess so her books can be categorized in the romance section as well. Nick and Marla don't even hook up until very late in the story. The focus of this one is mainly about Marla and who she really is (along with who might be trying to kill her).I wish Ms. Jackson had gone in a different direction with this book in terms of resolving the mystery of "Who is Marla?". If Marla had ultimately been more likeable, this one would have ended on a much more positive note for me, as the mystery/suspense elements were well-done. Some of the dialogue is cheesy, which is pretty typical for Ms. Jackson, but it isn't all bad. There are always parts of her books that I kind of cringe my way through because the characters say things that just aren't realistic or that are just plain silly. Her characters also have a tendency to talk to themselves (out loud) in ridiculous ways.I got this one at a significantly reduced rate, and I was able to finish the entire book, so I don't feel like it was a waste of money. It was just incredibly disappointing the way that everything played out in the end. You do have an H and h who wind up together in the end, so if you are violently opposed to relationships, you should probably skip this one. It is mostly a mystery/suspense story, though (very light on the romantic elements).

Lisa Jackson does not disappoint, excellent book. Great story, I have read all of these books. Headed on to the next series

This was good. Keeps you reading to find out what happens next.

Another awesome book by Lisa Gardner. You will not be disappointed

Liked the suspense and I would recommend it to my sister . I have loved reading all of Lisa Jackson's books.

This one had me hooked quickly! I couldn't stop reading it! Love Lisa Jackson series! Easily one of my favorites!

Except for the explicit sex crap, this was an excellent book! I loved the characters and the crazy situations they were in. I kept thinking I knew what was going on, but nope! I was blown away when it all came out!

This book will keep you guessing right till the end, and the ending isn't what you expected. Can't wait to read the 2nd book in this series.

Amazing book. Couldn't put it down. Though I picked up a few of the twists I didn't pick up all.

this was really great

Love her books.

Not my favourite of the Lisa Jackson series but still a good read

Very good book I liked all the twists and a good Wh0 DONE IT