The Trouble With J.J.

Dear Reader,

I’m often asked how I got my start as a writer. When I tell people that my first novels were romantic comedies for Bantam’s Loveswept line, they’re usually quite surprised. In fact,
The Trouble with J.J
. is actually my very first novel! Although this genre may seem completely different from the suspense I write now, the two have more in common than it appears.

For me, every good story has two essential elements to it: characters to fall in love with and root for, and a mystery to figure out—whether it’s an unsolved crime or that baffling and bewildering emotion that puzzles us most of all—love. Even the most intricate murder plot can’t compare to the complex inner workings of the human heart.

In
The Trouble with J.J
., Genna Hastings can’t stand at first sight her new next-door neighbor: football star and local heartthrob Jared Jay Hennessy. His winning smile and overt flirting are lost on Genna as she fumes about his tacky yard decorations (flamingos!) and nonstop stream of guests. J.J. is determined to break through the barriers that Genna has constructed, however, convinced that she’s the woman meant to help him change his life from playboy to respected public figure, and learn how to open himself to true love. Genna never says no to a challenge, but isn’t looking to play games; could J.J. be as serious about her as he claims?

Genna and J.J.’s story was the first to capture my imagination years ago, and I hope that you’ll enjoy this book as much today as I enjoyed writing it at the very beginning of my career.

All my best,

Tami Hoag

PRAISE FOR THE BESTSELLERS OF

Tami Hoag

THE ALIBI MAN

“Captivating thriller … [Elena] is a heroine readers will want to see more of.”

—
Publishers Weekly

“Hard to put down.”

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Washington Post

“A superbly taut thriller. Written in a staccato style that will have readers racing through the pages … Will leave readers breathless and satisfied.”

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Booklist

“A suspenseful tale, with a surprising ending; the author once again has constructed a hard-hitting story with interesting characters and a thrilling plot.”

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Midwest Book Review

“Elena Estes [is] one of Hoag’s most complicated, difficult and intriguing characters …. Hoag enhances a tight mystery plot with an over-the-shoulder view of the Palm Beach polo scene, giving her readers an up-close-and-personal look at the rich and famous ….
The Alibi Man
is her best work to date.”

—
BookReporter.com

“An engrossing story and a cast of well-drawn characters.”

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Minneapolis Star Tribune

“[Hoag] gets better with every book. One of the tautest thrillers I have read for a long while.”

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Bookseller
(UK)

“Hoag certainly knows how to build a plot and her skill has deservedly landed her on bestseller lists numerous times.”

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South Florida Sun-Sentinel

“Hoag has a winner in this novel where she brings back Elena Estes …. Hoag is the consummate storyteller and creator of suspense.”

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Mystery News

“Tami Hoag weaves an intricate tale of murder and deception …. A very well-written and thought-out murder/mystery. Hoag is able to keep you guessing and you’ll be left breathless until all the threads are unwoven and the killer is revealed.”

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FreshFiction.com

PRIOR BAD ACTS

“A snappy, scary thriller.”

—
Entertainment Weekly

“Stunning …Here [Hoag] stands above the competition, creating complex characters who evolve more than those in most thrillers. The breathtaking plot twists are perfectly paced in this compulsive page-turner.”

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Publishers Weekly
(starred review)

“A chilling thriller with a romantic chaser.”

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New York Daily News

“A first-rate thriller with an ending that will knock your socks off.”

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Booklist

“An engrossing thriller with plenty of plot twists and a surprise ending.”

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OK!
magazine

“A chilling tale of murder and mayhem.”

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BookPage

“The in-depth characterization and the unrelenting suspense are what makes
Prior Bad Acts
an outstanding read. Gritty and brutal at times,
Prior Bad Acts
delivers a stunning novel of murder, vengeance and retribution …. Riveting and chilling suspense.”

—
Romance Reviews Today

KILL THE MESSENGER

“Excellent pacing and an energetic plot heighten the suspense. …. Enjoyable.”

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Chicago Tribune

“Everything rings true, from the zippy cop-shop banter, to the rebellious bike messenger subculture, to the ultimate, heady collision of Hollywood money, politics, and power.”

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Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Hoag’s usual crisp, uncluttered storytelling and her ability to make us care about her characters triumph in
Kill the Messenger
.”

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Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel

“A perfect book. It is well written, and it has everything a reader could hope for …. It cannot be put down …. Please don’t miss this one.”

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Kingston (MA) Observer

“[A] brisk read …it demonstrates once again why [Hoag’s] so good at what she does.”

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San Francisco Chronicle

“Action-filled ride … a colorful, fast-paced novel that will keep you guessing.”

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Commercial Appeal

“High-octane suspense … Nonstop action moves the story forward at a breath-stealing pace, and the tension remains high from beginning to end …. Suspense at its very best.”

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Romance Reviews Today

“Hoag’s loyal readers and fans of police procedural suspense novels will definitely love it.”

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Booklist

“Kill the Messenger
will add to [Hoag’s] list of winners …. This is a fast-moving thriller with a great plot and wonderful characters. The identity of the killer is a real surprise.”

—
Somerset (PA) Daily American

“Engaging … the triumph of substance over style … character-driven, solidly constructed thriller.”

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Publishers Weekly

“Hoag upholds her reputation as one of the hottest writers in the suspense genre with this book, which not only has a highly complex mystery, multilayered suspense and serpentine plot, but also great characterizations … an entertaining and expertly crafted novel not to be missed.”

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CurledUp.com

DARK HORSE

“A thriller as tightly wound as its heroine … Hoag has created a winning central figure in Elena …. Bottom line: Great ride.”

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People

“This is her best to date …. [A] tautly told thriller.”

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Minneapolis Star Tribune

“Hoag proves once again why she is considered a queen of the crime thriller.”

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Charleston (SC) Post & Courier

“A tangled web of deceit and double-dealing makes for a fascinating look into the wealthy world of horses juxtaposed with the realistic introspection of one very troubled ex-cop. A definite winner.”

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Booklist

“Anyone who reads suspense novels regularly is acquainted with Hoag’s work—or certainly should be. She’s one of the most consistently superior suspense and romantic suspense writers on today’s bestseller lists. A word of warning to readers: don’t think you know whodunit ’til the very end.”

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Clute (TX) Facts

“Suspense, shocking violence, and a rip-roaring conclusion—this novel has all the pulse-racing touches that put Tami Hoag books on bestseller lists and crime fans’ reading lists.”

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Baton Rouge Advocate Magazine

“Full of intrigue, glitter, and skullduggery … [Hoag] is a master of suspense.”

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Publishers Weekly

“Her best to date, an enjoyable read, and a portent of even better things to come.”

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Grand Rapids Press