I really like the characters in this series, and enjoy subtleness of certain adult situations, while not being prudish at the same time. the characters seem realistic although one aspect of Dan (more so in the first book , less so in this book) are a bit unrealistic but not to the extent it damages the story. Dan’s tendency to seek revenge base on the hillbilly code at any cost felt a little forced and unrealistic in the first book, but the author dialed it back perfectly in this one. Dan in more like a few people I’ve known in my life , living in Indiana and visiting the southern states a lot.
Holly is a lot like someone I know very well. A stronge independent female who is smart and level headed. I really appreciate how the author used her experience as a cop in very realistic and practical ways. Realistic , as in she doesn’t KO men with a single punch or overpower an out of shape male attacker. It’s more centered around things like she knows how to throw a proper punch and fight IQ.
Overall, I give this a solid A grade.