Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Twenty-five-year-old Lena DeVine, a court reporter in Prescott, Arizona, had been celibate for two years, having had little luck with dating. When she meets Abner “Gat” Gatling, a tall, handsome airline pilot with whom she is helplessly smitten, she is tempted to think he might be her Mr. Right. However, perhaps she should have backed off when she learned that Gat was going through a divorce. Or that he is a smooth talker. After a few trysts and Lena falling harder for him, she realizes he was stringing her along. Heartbroken, she ends things with Gat. Then the news arrives of her twin sister, Shar, a ski instructor, dying from a fall off the Grand Canyon. From Shar’s last video recording, Lena believes Gat was with Shar and is her murderer. She is determined to avenge her sister the best way she knows how—using a gun. Two conniving old women and a pesky feline might be her only salvation. Find out more in Lena DeVine: Over the Edge by C. C. Jiron

If you are looking for drama flavored with suspense, mystery, and plot twists in a contemporary romantic tale of erotic escapades and toxic infatuation, Lena DeVine by C. C. Jiron is the perfect pick. The plot unfolds at a brisk pace with lively conversations entwined with sarcasm and banter and witty, introspective commentary. Jiron introduced me to an exciting, dynamic cast. The cinematic descriptions vividly captured the Southwestern backdrop. It felt like I was in Arizona or New Mexico, experiencing the heat and beauty of the places. Dramatic flair highlights the humor in the story. This page-turner would make a great Hollywood romance movie. I found Lena a complex and interesting character. Despite her high intellect and cautious nature, she knowingly falls for a married man. Her desires and thoughts offer insight into how such relationships are sparked. Jiron explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, deception, manipulation, grief, family, friendship, love, and more. I loved this read.