Reviewed by Dennis J. Freeman, Journalist

Good books are hard to find. A good book that invokes passion, crime, maternity and religion-all at the same time can definitely be a stretch to hook in an audience. Somehow, author Heather Dawn Robin manages successfully to do this in her author debut.

Robin spent three years going through rough drafts, editing and re-writing a book to apply this logic to her book, “Imbroglio,” which takes a stab at the romance fiction noir or the suspense thriller genre. Robin’s finished product is a combination of both, though her meticulously written “Imbroglio” slants more towards the thriller arena.

And its a pretty good one at that.  Shannon Moore is a cop with an attitude. Carlos is a mysterious, handsome stranger that relishes power, control and doing things under the table. Shannon and Carlos meet up by chance. From there, their journey of chaotic confusion, temptation and deceit takes them further than either one can explain.

Struggling with her sexuality, Shannon kind of sees Carlos as a way out from the combustible relationship she has with her girlfriend. She hopes going to church and relocating her faith can help her deal with her personal tribulations as she battles the insignificance of her girlfriend and the burning desire to be part of Carlos’ future.

If you’re looking for a steamy romance novel,” Imbroglio” isn’t that book. Sure, there are some kickbacks to the passion thing, but Robin hesitates in going there fully. Instead, the first-time author channels her energy into making “Imbroglio” more of a classic cat-and-mouse guessing game. The one thing that is consistent throughout “Imbroglio” is that you never know what is on one page after the next and how things are going to turn out.

It’ll keep you guessing, that’s for sure.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Imbroglio: The Ties of Love and Lies is a romance novel written by Heather Dawn Robin. After yet another explosive argument with her girlfriend, Gina, Shannon gladly drives her to the airport. She not only wants to make sure Gina doesn’t miss her flight, but also looks forward to some alone time. As Shannon is leaving the airport, a man emerges from the limousine in front of her and brazenly asks for her telephone number. So begins the unusual courtship of rich businessman, Carlos Antonio Romero, and openly gay policewoman, Shannon Moore, who tells herself many times that she is not interested in anything sexual with any man. When they fall into bed together, however, the rumor mill starts churning and Carlos gets word that Shannon is a lesbian detective who is working undercover, investigating him for reasons unknown. Carlos arrives at Shannon’s home after Gina’s return and overhears their latest fight, before being confronted by Gina and taking her lies as gospel. With Carlos having become jaded and bitter, he makes it his mission to crush the soul of the woman who’d fallen in love with him. Shannon finds sudden roadblocks in both her work and personal life, and is forced to start over again while reassessing and rediscovering who she really is. Some shocking news and an unexpected arrival seal her fate, however, turning her whole world upside down and placing her in more danger than she ever thought imaginable.

What a masterfully-written tale of love, obsession and deceit! Heather Dawn Robin’s story of two people from completely different classes and different sexualities falling in love was definitely a first of its kind for me. Watching one become unhinged and putting the other’s life at risk is all too familiar and, as a survivor of domestic violence, I found myself cringing many times, while unable to stop reading as the drama unfolded. Imbroglio: The Ties of Love and Lies shows exactly what happens when love and hate collide, creating a deadly cocktail of overwhelming emotions which intersect from all directions. While I do enjoy stories with a happily ever after, I dreaded how this toxic love story would end, with one honest person being surrounded by so many who thrive on deception in order to achieve their own desired outcome.

I was very excited that the book was left open in such a way that a sequel can be written to continue the story, as well as possibly answering any questions that the reader might have after reaching the end of the novel. The English translations of Spanish dialect used throughout the tale were also immensely appreciated, as they helped me to understand the text in its entirety. I thoroughly enjoyed Imbroglio: The Ties of Love and Lies and recommend it to those who like mystery, suspense, drama, intrigue and action wrapped around a high quality romantic thriller.