End Game: Dirty Money, Book 4

This lackluster romantic thriller feels less intended to wrap up the series narrative and more like the author finally washing her hands of her melodramatic characters. Shane Brandon, scion of a wealthy Denver family in the pharmaceutical business, and Emily Stevens, the love of his life, continue seeking their happily ever after. In the third installment, Bad Deeds, Shane’s brother, Derek, took bullets intended for Emily and is now fighting for his life. From there a convoluted but predictable plot has Shane taking decisive steps to excise the most corrupt divisions of Brandon Enterprises and begin anew with a fashion brand. Despite individual issues that by odds ought to drive Shane and Emily apart, they grow ever closer until she agrees to attempt to lure her estranged brother out of hiding. This rush job is only for series completists. Agent: Louise Fury, Bent Agency. (Jan.)