One thing is certain, Ex-Con is a whirlwind of action, drama, and suspense. Told entirely from main character Bobby Cantrell’s point of view, I had mixed feelings about this novel. The authors take us on a ride that runs the gamut from insta-love and trust to a cop bent on vengeance who suddenly “sees the light”. Season liberally with subplots on just about anything and everything you can imagine and…well, this is why I have mixed feelings.

To be fair, I liked our ex-con, Bobby. He had a crappy childhood, got involved with the wrong sort of people, and paid the price. He’s trying to stay under the radar and make a decent life but most folks don’t take kindly to murderers, even if circumstances justified his actions. And since he’s on parole, he can’t up and leave the prejudice of Lexington, KY. Bobby’s got a lot of anger simmering inside but it’s directed primarily at himself rather than the legal system or the scumbag he killed. Which is all fine and admirable, however, he is his own worst enemy. He spends a good percentage of the book trying to convince everyone, including himself, what an undeserving screw up he is. I was not a huge fan of this.

On the other hand, he’s passionate about the heroine. Carly is the 20-something daughter of a very famous, but now deceased, rock star. She serves to launch the story, her fame being the need for round-the-clock protection. Bobby’s selfless act to protect her from a gang of paparazzi sparks an immediate attraction between them. Which leads Carly to offer Bobby a job on her security detail. The offer still stands even after he divulges the sordid details of his life. Many, many, many times. I lost count. Despite Bobby’s protests, he accepts the job mostly because he wants in Carly’s pants. The feeling is mutual, and they do partake of some hot between (and on top of) the sheets action, but It lacked emotional depth.

Carly is quirky and compassionate, and recognizes the good in people. She’s a philanthropist rather than the usual celebrity diva. She treats her security staff like family. As a matter of fact, head of security, Jake, has been with her since she was a young child. Security/father figure, he and Carly have a rather poignant relationship. I loved Jake! His character had more substance at times than Carly. Although I did like Carly I felt the authors shorted us on fully developing what could have been a quite interesting character.

Bottom line for me regarding Ex-Con…it tried too hard to be a big production. There were far too many subplots flying around which made Ex-Con an hors d’ oeuvre plate rather than a meal. At the end, I had a full belly of this story yet felt slightly unsatisfied.