Showing posts with label Thriller. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thriller. Show all posts
Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!
After the Climb by Kristen Ashley
dual pov, vaguely descriptive heat, second chance contemporary romance
They were the Three Amigos: Duncan Holloway, Imogen Swan and Corey Szabo. Two young boys with difficult lives at home banding together with a cool girl who didn’t mind mucking through the mud on their hikes.
They grew up to be Duncan Holloway, activist, CEO and face of the popular River Rain outdoor stores, Imogen Swan, award-winning actress and America’s sweetheart, and Corey Szabo, ruthless tech billionaire.
Rich and very famous, they would learn the devastating knowledge of how the selfish acts of one would affect all their lives.
And the lives of those they loved.
Rating - 
After the Climb is a heartbreaking tale full of heartbroken characters. I loved the way they loved each other but the struggle was real. All it took was one lie, some insecurity, and everyone was left devastated. While I felt Duncan's pain, and even found a crumb of sympathy for Corey (dude needed to grow up), my greatest empathy was for Imogen. She was hit the worst and the hits didn't stop coming for her.
When the truth came out, I liked that Imogen and Duncan didn't waste any time and how on board their children were with the new plan. Even stepping in to help things along. Can these characters be any cuter?
I know I'm supposed to have some sort of feelings for the exes, but they made their beds, didn't they? And I don't think it's possible to redeem either of them, especially Tom. Spoiler Alert, but he's a cheater. Can we really forgive that he put Imogen and their children through that?
I'm just saying that the only happy endings I cared about were Imogen's and Duncan's. And maybe their kids because they were awesome.
After the Climb is a heartbreaking tale full of heartbroken characters. I loved the way they loved each other but the struggle was real. All it took was one lie, some insecurity, and everyone was left devastated. While I felt Duncan's pain, and even found a crumb of sympathy for Corey (dude needed to grow up), my greatest empathy was for Imogen. She was hit the worst and the hits didn't stop coming for her.
When the truth came out, I liked that Imogen and Duncan didn't waste any time and how on board their children were with the new plan. Even stepping in to help things along. Can these characters be any cuter?
I know I'm supposed to have some sort of feelings for the exes, but they made their beds, didn't they? And I don't think it's possible to redeem either of them, especially Tom. Spoiler Alert, but he's a cheater. Can we really forgive that he put Imogen and their children through that?
I'm just saying that the only happy endings I cared about were Imogen's and Duncan's. And maybe their kids because they were awesome.
Fatal Intrusion by Jeffrey Deaver and Isabella Maldonado
multiple pov, thriller
Carmen Sanchez is a tough Homeland Security agent who plays by the rules. But when her sister is attacked, revealing a connection to a series of murders across Southern California, she realizes a conventional investigation will not be enough to stop the ruthless perpetrator.
With nowhere else to turn, Sanchez enlists the aid of Professor Jake Heron, a brilliant and quirky private security expert who, unlike Sanchez, believes rules are merely suggestions. The two have a troubled past, but he owes her a favor and she’s cashing in. They team up to catch the assailant, who, mystifyingly, has no discernable motive and fits no classic criminal profile. All they have to go on is a distinctive tattoo and a singular obsession that gives this chillingly efficient tactician his nickname: Spider.
Over the next seventy-two hours, Sanchez and Heron find themselves in the midst of a lethal chess match with the killer as they race to stop the carnage. As the victims mount, so do the risks. Because this spider’s web of intrigue is more sinister—and goes far deeper—than anyone could possibly anticipate.
Rating -
If I never read the word intrusion again in the near future, I'll be a happy person.
But seriously, this was such an intriguing whodunit thriller. As the reader, we got to know who committed the crimes, but we were blind as to why. Not as blind as the investigators, possibly because Carmen couldn't help being in the way and Jake just let her ruthlessly run rough-shod over everyone, but still. Trying to figure out the motives for each crime was its own sort of fun. And crazy. I enjoyed myself and where this story left off, with the possibility of future books. And maybe a little romance between these characters thrown in?
If I never read the word intrusion again in the near future, I'll be a happy person.
But seriously, this was such an intriguing whodunit thriller. As the reader, we got to know who committed the crimes, but we were blind as to why. Not as blind as the investigators, possibly because Carmen couldn't help being in the way and Jake just let her ruthlessly run rough-shod over everyone, but still. Trying to figure out the motives for each crime was its own sort of fun. And crazy. I enjoyed myself and where this story left off, with the possibility of future books. And maybe a little romance between these characters thrown in?
Love Me Today by A.L. Jackson
dual pov, forced proximity, single parent, contemporary romance, descriptive heat
I should have known I was in trouble when I backed my old, beat-up truck into the shiny Range Rover.
The driver looked like a gorgeous fallen angel – one who’d been booted right out of paradise for being a giant prick.
Good thing I’ll never have to see him again.
Except when I show up for my new job to teach a little girl how to ride her horse, I find the same icy blue eyes glaring back at me.
Paisley Dae is completely reckless. She’s also the best trainer in this small town. And Evelyn gets the best.
Protecting the little girl is my one focus.
Only the sassy trainer in her cut-offs and cowgirl boots quickly gets under my skin. Distractions are dangerous, but she soon becomes everything I crave.
One reckless night of giving in, and Caleb and I spiral into a web of passion.
But when I begin to unravel the secrets hiding in this place, I find there is more riding on this job than I thought.
Caleb and Evelyn are worth any sacrifice – only Caleb has to decide what he will sacrifice for me
Rating - 1/2
Caleb was a tough nut to crack, but as the reader, we got some insight into why he was such a grumpy sourpuss. Paisley had to figure it out for herself and I admired her perseverance because I wouldn't do it. The romance would be over if I were in the lead.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
1/2Caleb was a tough nut to crack, but as the reader, we got some insight into why he was such a grumpy sourpuss. Paisley had to figure it out for herself and I admired her perseverance because I wouldn't do it. The romance would be over if I were in the lead.
This story led me on a path of sweetness and I never expected how sinister and dangerous it would become. The author really took me there and I loved that added bit of suspense.
It was the heartwarming moments that made this book worth reading. The relationship that grew between Paisley and Caleb and that sweet little girl made all of the scary bits worthwhile.
Hello and Happy Wednesday. I hope your week is off to a great start!
I'm sharing three books I read and quite enjoyed and maybe you'll find something here to read too!
The Conviction by John Matthews
Vigilante, thriller
Two criminals are responsible for an innocent man getting sentenced to life for murder. An inept defense attorney and a crooked prosecutor are the other players in this case of egregious American corruption.
The four of them have been lured into a trap in an abandoned warehouse. Someone wants vengeance. This is a story of vigilante justice for the wrongfully convicted. Marked doors lead to four locked rooms, one where each of them will have to pay a price for what they have done. What will they be required to do in order to survive?
Rating -
I was definitely surprised!
The crime: 4 boys enter a home. A robbery is committed. The homeowner defends his property and shoots and kills one of the boys. And since they were there to commit a felony, all of the surviving boys were charged with the murder. Only one went away for life.
The justice: the boy serving time wasn't actually part of the crime and was a pawn. It's time for those who took part in his punishment to feel some of that themselves.
My verdict: at first, I thought it was something like Saw. No joke. I'm still not sure if I'm disappointed that it wasn't. There were enough mind games and deceptions to make this exciting and I was glad that I couldn't guess what was really happening or predict what was next. I recommend this short read to anyone looking for a quick thrill.
I was definitely surprised!
The crime: 4 boys enter a home. A robbery is committed. The homeowner defends his property and shoots and kills one of the boys. And since they were there to commit a felony, all of the surviving boys were charged with the murder. Only one went away for life.
The justice: the boy serving time wasn't actually part of the crime and was a pawn. It's time for those who took part in his punishment to feel some of that themselves.
My verdict: at first, I thought it was something like Saw. No joke. I'm still not sure if I'm disappointed that it wasn't. There were enough mind games and deceptions to make this exciting and I was glad that I couldn't guess what was really happening or predict what was next. I recommend this short read to anyone looking for a quick thrill.
Property Of by C.P. Smith
Multiple POV, suspense
Author Nicola Royse dreamed of Scottish Highlanders as a teen then wrote about them as an adult. Always looking but never finding her own White Knight, she still held out hope that he would one day ride up on his trusty steed. He rode up all right, on a silver Harley with heat in his eyes and a detective's badge on his hip while she and her friends plotted her first contemporary romantic suspense. Of course, life couldn't' imitate art without a killer on the loose, one that had Nicola and her friends in his sights.
Detective Dallas Vaughn dedicated his life to catching killers. Then one day he bumped into the girl-next-door, and all that changed. Now he's her White Knight fighting against a Dark Prince—one who would love to see her dead.
Rating -
I ended up liking many things in this story... and not liking others.
Heroine - Nicola was a historical romance author who seemed to be more comfortable with fiction than reality. In a current situation, she would find ways to fictionalize it for the reader and I skimmed most of it because I'm still not sure what was supposed to be gained by this. She's decided that she wants to do a contemporary romance and then when she realizes a serial killer is targeting women in her area, she figures she should find a way to incorporate him in her book. The cop she meets, Dallas, who ends up being the hero of this story, ends up in her book. The FBI agent hunting killers... in the book. And let's not forget the crazy scenario of her and her friends creating a fake profile on POF and a BDSM website to taunt a man. With a serial killer on the loose! Clearly, Nicola wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.
I enjoyed most of how this story was written, except for the repetitive bits and Nicola's nonsense. I admired the way the author described and illustrated Nicola's friendships and her relationship with her family. I enjoyed most of what Dallas had to offer, except when he had to put up with Nicola's nonsene. I even liked the suspenseful element because of how entertaining it was. I may not have loved this particular story as much as I thought I would, but I have loved other books by this author and I'll definitely be giving her another try.
I ended up liking many things in this story... and not liking others.
Heroine - Nicola was a historical romance author who seemed to be more comfortable with fiction than reality. In a current situation, she would find ways to fictionalize it for the reader and I skimmed most of it because I'm still not sure what was supposed to be gained by this. She's decided that she wants to do a contemporary romance and then when she realizes a serial killer is targeting women in her area, she figures she should find a way to incorporate him in her book. The cop she meets, Dallas, who ends up being the hero of this story, ends up in her book. The FBI agent hunting killers... in the book. And let's not forget the crazy scenario of her and her friends creating a fake profile on POF and a BDSM website to taunt a man. With a serial killer on the loose! Clearly, Nicola wasn't the brightest crayon in the box.
I enjoyed most of how this story was written, except for the repetitive bits and Nicola's nonsense. I admired the way the author described and illustrated Nicola's friendships and her relationship with her family. I enjoyed most of what Dallas had to offer, except when he had to put up with Nicola's nonsene. I even liked the suspenseful element because of how entertaining it was. I may not have loved this particular story as much as I thought I would, but I have loved other books by this author and I'll definitely be giving her another try.
Twisted Asphalt by Blue Remy
Dual POV, MC romance
ATF Agent Sam Dean is missing, and Mason Younger steps out of the shadows – landing right in the middle of the Six-gun Outlaw motorcycle club and the James family.
In the outlaw underworld, Mace’s past in the Marine Corps Second Force Recon impresses the MC President, Alan ‘Stone’ James, quickly sending him up the ranks. His expertise in weapons, sharpshooting, and hand-to-hand combat makes Mace an asset when it comes to the club’s illegal gun selling. This allows him to take part in jobs that prospects never get to see. But this prospect needs to go deeper. This prospect needs actual access to the MC’s gun sales.
What the SOMC doesn’t know is that a patched member ratted out the club brothers and is providing all of the intel to build Mace’s cover.
Everything is falling into place and going according to plan. After three long years, the end is finally drawing near. That is until a chance encounter with Amethyst James sends Mace reeling. As an intense relationship begins to boil, Mace struggles to maintain his undercover identity, expose the traitor within the club, and bring down the MC.
With Amy knocking him on his ass, literally, bombs, and an attempted murder, Mace’s sense of reality begins to blur as he strives to fight his rapidly growing feelings for her and the new loyalty to his brothers.
Rating -
Have you ever read a book and thought "Wow! This is going good!" and then when you get to the climax it falls flat? That's what this book did. There was so much going on, as is typical of most MC Club books. Most of the scenes, especially those dealing with fallout, were quite detailed. But then the climax towards the end was quick. A little too quick. I felt like so much was lost in translation! I wanted details and was left with dead air.
Amethyst/Amy was likable but I didn't really like her. She was one of those heroines who comes off strong, has a bold front, uses bravado and fakes aggression, but when push comes to shove, they're... just... not! She had many endearing qualities, but I didn't like how she dealt with some situations, such as those involving Demon. And I was confused by the fact that she was the victim of negative treatment, both from Demon and Tash, yet no one really said much. Wasn't she the daughter of the Prez? Doesn't that afford her some respect? Why was Tash allowed to talk to her the way she did? Maybe I need to brush up on my MC Club data because I was confused.
Sam/Mace/Maverick was pretty awesome. I love a man in uniform lol. I felt bad for him because he was in so deep. I don't really have much to say about him. He was honourable and respectful. Patient and protective.
So I enjoyed the book up until the end and would have rated it higher if the ending was more thought out.
Have you ever read a book and thought "Wow! This is going good!" and then when you get to the climax it falls flat? That's what this book did. There was so much going on, as is typical of most MC Club books. Most of the scenes, especially those dealing with fallout, were quite detailed. But then the climax towards the end was quick. A little too quick. I felt like so much was lost in translation! I wanted details and was left with dead air.
Amethyst/Amy was likable but I didn't really like her. She was one of those heroines who comes off strong, has a bold front, uses bravado and fakes aggression, but when push comes to shove, they're... just... not! She had many endearing qualities, but I didn't like how she dealt with some situations, such as those involving Demon. And I was confused by the fact that she was the victim of negative treatment, both from Demon and Tash, yet no one really said much. Wasn't she the daughter of the Prez? Doesn't that afford her some respect? Why was Tash allowed to talk to her the way she did? Maybe I need to brush up on my MC Club data because I was confused.
Sam/Mace/Maverick was pretty awesome. I love a man in uniform lol. I felt bad for him because he was in so deep. I don't really have much to say about him. He was honourable and respectful. Patient and protective.
So I enjoyed the book up until the end and would have rated it higher if the ending was more thought out.
As you know, not every book I read will get 4 or 5 stars. Here are a few that I still enjoyed!
My Rating - ★★★Genre/Trope - Paranormal Romance / instalove
Perspective - Dual 1st person
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from Kindle Unlimited
Length - 270 pages
Goodreads * Amazon
Pray for the Devil started off really slow and I wasn't sure if it was my type of read, but it started to really pick up towards the end and I'm intrigued enough to want to give the second book a chance. I felt bad for Eliza for the entirety of this story. She was living to please people, probably the wrong people, all to have a place to belong. She was devout, an exorcist for the church, but she quickly realizes that all is not as it seems. She's actually a very powerful witch and with the help of Luk, she begins to discover who she really is. I enjoyed the connection between these characters, despite the fact that their relationship literally blossomed from nothing, but I'm hoping to get more of them in the next book. I also really enjoyed her bestie, Olivia. I loved that she was a demon playing up as being a pious member of the church. Hilarious!
My Rating - ★★★Genre/Trope - Dark Romance / mafia
Perspective - Dual POV
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from Amazon
Length - 296 pages
Goodreads * Amazon
Let me start off by saying that I liked this book. It had a lot of elements to it that it was hard not to like it. However, it also had quite a few annoying components that affected my star rating.
What I liked:
* Kyle's character was freaking hot. I love an alpha with military experience. Throw in some Black Ops or Special Forces and we have a winner! He's the bad boy you can't help but love and he makes no apologies for it
* Kyle's compassion for Chloe. Their love story was unconventional but beautiful
* some of the scenes were absolutely hilarious... Show/hide spoiler
* how the author kept Chloe's brainwashing relevant. She didn't have her hopping into a "normal" relationship with Kyle. She suffered setbacks and mental breaks, which would be typical of anyone who suffered from abuse and the writer didn't belittle or sugarcoat that. Kyle had his own share of problems and together they had to jump over some mighty obstacles to get to their HFN
What I didn't like:
* the idea of the "pun" was overused. Once is funny. Twice is cute. Three times it's quirky. Infinite times is... I almost gave up because of it. I get that it was supposed to be a quality that endeared her to me, but it was abused way too frequently. Made me miss the fuckbot.
* though the plot was great, there were times it felt rushed
Overall a good book. Not terribly dark but a quick yet gritty read.
My Rating - ★★★Genre/Trope - Thriller / Mystery
Perspective - Dual POV
Heat - descriptive
Source - ebook from Amazon
Length - 372 pages
Goodreads * Amazon
I almost DNF'd this book. I came close so many times but I persevered.
I have a strong appreciation for dark romance. So when a friend of mind suggested Lily White, I chose this book to get my feet wet.
It was somewhat dark. More twisted than anything. It was erotic. It tried to blow my mind.
However...
I failed to connect with these characters. I couldn't like Autumn because she came across too prudish and closed-minded. I have a low tolerance for ignorance and judgment, even in fiction. Then she showed herself up as a hypocrite by succumbing to Lucas's manipulations. I liked Lucas simply because he kept it real. I respected that.
So although there were intriguing plot twists and crazy 'I didn't even think of that' revelations, the book was just okay for me. And what was with the ending? It seemed like the manipulation hadn't ended.
A decent read and there were many elements to whet the appetite of any mystery lover.
Set against the atmospheric snowy backdrop of rural Pacific Northwest, New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti’s edgy, page-turning thriller will have readers guessing until the very end as rising star FBI profiler Laurel Snow navigates her career as a serial killer hunter with her complicated family life. Now she’s in pursuit of a killer with a chillingly bitter M.O. – one that hits far too close to home…
You Can Die by Rebecca Zanetti
My Rating - ★★★★
Release - July 25, 2023
Standalone - Laurel Snow #3
Genre - Thriller
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - 2 out of 5
Format - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 354 pages
Release - July 25, 2023
Standalone - Laurel Snow #3
Genre - Thriller
POV - Multiple 3rd person
Heat - 2 out of 5
Format - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 354 pages
Men are dying in the Pacific Northwest, their bodies found near churches, charities, and counselling centers—each with valentine candy hearts shoved down their throats. They’re good men with families and community ties—or so they seem until Laurel Snow and her team begin to investigate. Then the case takes a shockingly personal turn when the father she’s never met, a former pastor, is attacked in exactly the same way.
Now, besides solving the case, Laurel is on the hunt to discover where her father has been. Complicating things is Laurel’s troubled half-sister, Abigail, a brilliant sociopath determined to prove that they’ve both inherited their father’s malignant narcissism.
Assisting Laurel is Washington Fish and Wildlife Captain Huck Rivers, a dangerous loner whose reliance on gut instinct puts him at odds with Laurel’s coolly analytic approach. But the choice may be moot when the killer hones in on Huck’s own dark secrets—putting him and Laurel squarely in the crosshairs.
My Two Cents
How does a story that was feeding me answers a crumb at a time, leave me with so many questions in the end? That’s the wonder of Zanetti’s writing and why I consider all of her books must-reads. Whether it’s romantic suspense, paranormal romance, or thriller/mysteries such as You Can Die, I’m guaranteed a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.
A killer is targeting men, stabbing them multiple times and leaving them choking on Valentine’s candy. It makes for a macabre scene set by the author, but I was utterly fascinated. Each clue led to another question, another victim, another link, and honestly… I really was kept in the dark until the end. I had an inkling, shrugged it off, and then realized I should have trusted my instincts!
So I have questions and I’m guessing they’ll be fed to me in any book to come for this series. Dr. Abigail Caine is definitely an enigma, as well as Zeke Caine. They may be Laurel’s family (her sister and father), but she doesn’t know them. She lived her whole life without them and if it were up to her, she’d live the rest of her life the same way.
Is Abigail a killer? Is she as wicked as she seems through Laurel’s eyes? And will Zeke feature in some way in the future?
Honestly, all I really want for Laurel is some true happiness with Huck (I LOVE this man) and a semblance of peace. Is that too much to ask?
The Author
Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.
Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!
Part of what pushed her every day in this job was her need to answer that impossible-to-fathom question. Who would do that, and more importantly, why would anybody cause such pain and destruction?
────── ♔ ──────
You Can Run by Rebecca Zanetti
Standalone - Laurel Snow #1
Release - January 25, 2022
Genre - Thriller
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3 out of 5 / it surprised and delighted me that the author included this
Format/Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 400 pages
Publisher - Zebra Books
Release - January 25, 2022
Genre - Thriller
Dual POV - 3rd person
Heat Level - 3 out of 5 / it surprised and delighted me that the author included this
Format/Source - eARC provided by the publisher
Length - 400 pages
Publisher - Zebra Books
Laurel Snow wouldn’t call hunting a serial killer a vacation, but with a pile of dead bodies unearthed near her Genesis Valley, WA, hometown, she’ll take what she can get. Yet something about this case stirs her in unexpected ways. Like the startling connection she feels to Dr. Abigail Caine, a fiercely intelligent witness with a disturbing knack for making Laurel feel like she has something on her. Then there’s Laurel’s attraction to Huck Rivers, the fish and wildlife officer guiding her to the crime scene—and into the wilderness…
A former soldier and a trained sniper, Huck’s thirst for blood is rivaled only by his fierce pursuit of Laurel. He’s been burned by love, wounded by the government, and betrayed before, and to say he has trust issues is the ultimate understatement. Plus, he might be closer to this killer than anybody knows…
Once in the heart of darkness with Huck, Laurel must negotiate her distracting desire for him, her complex rapport with Abigail—and her mission to find a serial killer among a growing list of suspects and a danger that’s far too close to home. So close in fact, Laurel fears she will never find her way back to the woman she once was…
My Two Cents
4.25 "I'm really excited about this series" stars
Laurel has just finished a case when she gets the call — a serial killer is hunting in her hometown and her uncle is a suspect. So of course she hurries home to find out what's going on and possibly solve the case. With little resources, she relies heavily on Huck and his 'team' and some new friends. And through their investigation, one name keeps popping up... Dr. Abigail Caine. Is she friend? Is she foe? And is she their best lead to catch the killer?
I really enjoyed the way this story twisted and turned. It was thrilling and scary and horrifying, but there were also elements of friendship, camaradie, humor, and warmth. I loved seeing Laurel's connection with her family. Her mom gave me such joy. And don't even get me started on what was happening between Laurel and Huck. Gimme more of that please!
The killer gave me chills, not gonna lie and I can always count on Zanetti to keep me guessing. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!
About the Author
Rebecca Zanetti is the author of over forty romantic suspense, dark paranormals, and contemporary romances, and her books have appeared multiple times on the New York Times, USA Today, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iBooks bestseller lists. She lives in the wilds of the Pacific Northwest with her own Alpha hero, two kids, a couple of dogs, a crazy cat…and a huge extended family. She believes strongly in luck, karma, and working her butt off…and she thinks one of the best things about being an author, unlike the lawyer she used to be, is that she can let the crazy out. Upcoming series are: The Blood Brothers, The Realm Enforcers and The Scorpius Syndrome.
Visit https://rebeccazanetti.com/ for more information!
In my rage, I find my solace.
In my rage, I vanquish my despair.
In my rage, I vanquish my despair.
────── ♔ ──────
The Field of Wrongdoing by Lili St. Germain
Standalone
Release - October 12, 2021
Genre - Psychological Thriller
Multiple POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 3.5 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - ebook purchase from Amazon
Page Count - 337
Publisher - Level 4 Press, Inc.
Release - October 12, 2021
Genre - Psychological Thriller
Multiple POV - 1st person
Heat Level - 3.5 out of 5 / several scenes
Format/Source - ebook purchase from Amazon
Page Count - 337
Publisher - Level 4 Press, Inc.
How well can you really know someone?
The smallest towns hold the darkest secrets. And the people you least suspect are the ones you should fear the most.
When Cassie’s friend disappears, Cassie knows all too well the tragic end Jennifer has probably met. After all, Cassie is the one who found the last murdered girl in the field on her boyfriend Leo’s property nine years ago.
She never believed the love of her life was capable of such a brutal crime. Not even after Leo went to prison for an unrelated crime. But now he’s back, released on parole, and another girl has gone missing . . .
USA Today bestselling author Lili St. Germain delivers a terrifying, unpredictable thrill ride that explores how far one woman is willing to go to discover the truth - and the brutal betrayals she unearths along the way.
Purchase Links
My Two Cents
I pre-ordered this book because... Lili St. Germain and I love (read that: lu-uh-uh-uh-ove love) this author.
And as I was reading, I realized this story was very familiar to me. It was dirty and depraved and depressing and disgusting and oh so good... but it was familiar.
And then I found out that it used to be titled Gun Shy, which I read back in 2017. And it was just as amazing now as it was then. You can check out my review for that HERE.
So what can I offer that's new? Wouldn't it be hilarious if I was just as blind this time as I was before? Well, go ahead and laugh because I still had no clue!
I loved that!
Like stories that keep you guessing? Stories that are full of darkness and heartache? Read. This. Book!!
About the Author
Lili is a USA Today bestselling hybrid author who has sold over a million books since January 2014. After the success of her self-published Gypsy Brothers series, she was approached by HarperCollins Publishers, who signed her CARTEL series in a three-book deal. The Gypsy Brothers series focuses on a morally bankrupt biker gang and the girl who seeks her vengeance upon them. The Cartel series is a prequel trilogy of full-length novels that explores the beginnings of the club, to be released in 2015 by HarperCollins.
Aside from writing, her other loves in life include her gorgeous husband and beautiful daughter, good coffee, Tarantino movies and spending hours on Instagram. She loves to read almost as much as she loves to write.
Lili is represented by Amy Tannenbaum at the Jane Rotrosen Agency.
You can reach her at lili@lilisaintgermain.com
One could construct a hundred different narratives, it didn’t make them true.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Standalone
Release - June 30, 2020
Genre - Historical/Gothic Thriller
POV - female protagonist 1st person
Format/Source - ebook purchase
Length - 304 pages
After receiving a frantic letter from her newly-wed cousin begging for someone to save her from a mysterious doom, Noemí Taboada heads to High Place, a distant house in the Mexican countryside. She’s not sure what she will find—her cousin’s husband, a handsome Englishman, is a stranger, and Noemí knows little about the region.
Noemí is also an unlikely rescuer: She’s a glamorous debutante, and her chic gowns and perfect red lipstick are more suited for cocktail parties than amateur sleuthing. But she’s also tough and smart, with an indomitable will, and she is not afraid: Not of her cousin’s new husband, who is both menacing and alluring; not of his father, the ancient patriarch who seems to be fascinated by Noemí; and not even of the house itself, which begins to invade Noemi’s dreams with visions of blood and doom.
Her only ally in this inhospitable abode is the family’s youngest son. Shy and gentle, he seems to want to help Noemí, but might also be hiding dark knowledge of his family’s past. For there are many secrets behind the walls of High Place. The family’s once colossal wealth and faded mining empire kept them from prying eyes, but as Noemí digs deeper she unearths stories of violence and madness.
And Noemí, mesmerized by the terrifying yet seductive world of High Place, may soon find it impossible to ever leave this enigmatic house behind.
It was a slow-moving read. Not much in the way of furthering the story really happens until towards the end. I was on edge while waiting for the other shoe to drop and enjoyed the journey. The depictions of the town, the townsfolk, the fog, the house, the mytery of the house and the people who lived in it, all made a strong impact with me. I didn't know who was truly sincere and who was hiding behind false sincerity.
I found it was more the characters themselves rather than the atmosphere illustrated by the author that gave this story its gothic feel. Noemi was hilarious and kept me engaged in this story right to the end. And what an ending! Honestly, this story should come with trigger warnings, but then again, if you were told what the triggers were, the story would be spoiled for you.
Enter at your own risk!
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The letter that started it all...
… he is trying to poison me. This house is sick with rot, stinks of decay, brims with every single evil and cruel sentiment. I have tried to hold on to my wits, to keep this foulness away but I cannot and I find myself losing track of time and thoughts. Please. Please. They are cruel and unkind and they will not let me go. I bar my door but still they come, they whisper at nights and I am so afraid of these restless dead, these ghosts, fleshless things. The snake eating its tail, the foul ground beneath our feet, the false faces and false tongues, the web upon which the spider walks making the strings vibrate. I am Catalina Catalina Taboada. CATALINA. Cata, Cata come out to play. I miss Noemí. I pray I’ll see you again. You must come for me, Noemí. You have to save me. I cannot save myself as much as I wish to, I am bound, threads like iron through my mind and my skin and it’s there. In the walls. It does not release its hold on me so I must ask you to spring me free, cut it from me, stop them now. For God’s sake…
Hurry,
Catalina
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