This Love Hurts by Willow Winters

BLURB

Some love stories are a slow burn. Others are quick to ignite, scorching and branding your very soul before you’ve taken that first breath. You’re never given a chance to run from it.

That’s how I’d describe what happened to us.

Everything around me blurred and all that existed were his lips, his touch… The chase and the heat between us became addictive.

Our nights together were a distraction; one we craved to the point of letting the world crumble around us.

We should have paid attention; we should have known that it would come to this. We both knew it couldn’t last, but that didn’t change what we desired most.

All we wanted was each other…

MY REVIEW

Part I Do You Want Me the prequel to This Love Hurts, I have to say for me was tough to get through.  Told in first person from a triangle of perspectives this romantic suspense is a tedious slow burn, with hints at heated passion.  The foreshadowing start adds only confusion in the wait for the story to progress to something meaningful.  You learn about Delilah, whose job as an attorney putting monsters behind bars is her life.  Cody, an FBI agent who has a work history with Delilah, as well as a mutual attraction is guarded & has secrets in his past to damning to tell.  Their history of working tough murder cases that were never solved, a serial killer still on the loose haunts them.  Being completely dedicated to work, & connected by these cases, Delilah & Cody take solace in one another "It's easy to hide in work. Even easier to hide under the sheets and get lost, forgetting who we are and what we do." particularly as Delilah works through family drama & controversy, turned to threats at work that putting her in need of protection.  

In Part II This Love Hurts, the story really starts to pick up the pace.  Enter "...the man I've heard called a ghost, the grim reaper...the angel of death..." the third member of this triangle.  Secrets of the past and the events that connect the three characters finally start to unfold.  Leaving with one heck of a cliff hanger & a lot of frustration for the reader at finally getting to the depth of the story, only for it to be over. Full of intrigue, mystery & suspense - perhaps a little to much in fact to hold the attention of this reader.

The continuation of this story, But I Need You coming this Fall.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

AMAZON US/UK

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity likely didn't intend for anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night their family was forever altered. 

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents would devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue to love her.

 I'm a big fan of Colleens - but honestly, how could anyone not be?  I wasn't sure what to expect with Verity, a true psychological thriller of a romance - but I can tell you I sure as hell didn't expect what I got.  "Disturbing is putting it mildly."  So well written the panic & terror are palpable.  Oh. My. God. this book is right up there with Steven King & M Night Shyamalan, yet with a love story that sucks you in & will have you so conflicted.  Shocking, sexy & mysterious, with Colleens classic wit & sarcasm.  Tragedies that bring you through a full range of emotions, from shock & heartbreak to disgust, love & heart stopping fear. 


I couldn't put this one down, even when I wanted to.  The ending, wholly crap - I can't even... Cringe-worthy at the start "Ugly and honest..."  By the end, you won't know what to believe - or if you are like me, how to feel.  A story that will make you rethink what people might be capable of in pursuit of love & success, then have you questioning assumptions you yourself make everyday...what you should believe "...to separate our reality from fiction..."


READ THIS BOOK, you just may not want to do it when you are alone.


Well done Colleen - you've truly "...pushed the envelope..." with this remarkable tale.


ARC received in exchange for an honest review.


Amazon US/UK

Possessive by Willow Winters

Blurb

Some men are born with a black heart and a tainted soul.
I never liked to admit it back then; I thought I could outrun who I am and lie to myself.
But I accept the truth now.

It’s in my blood and in my bones. In every impure thought and desire.
I tried to leave. To do the right thing and walk away from my past.
But then she came back into my life.

Stumbling towards me and looking up at me as if I’m the one she’s been looking for all this time.
As if I could be her savior and take her pain away.
If only she knew.

She turns me into what I hate most about myself.
Selfish, ruthless, possessive.
I tried to be a good man. To be cold and distant and warn her away.

She should have taken the hint and run.
She didn’t…
And now she’s mine.

MY REVIEW

 

Possessive by Willow Winters, a contemporary romance that is edgy & emotional, sexy & suspenseful.  Told in first person, from dual perspectives with flashbacks throughout – you’ll find darkness & desire “…she’s the only addiction I’ve ever had and the only one I desire.” in this will they, won’t they forbidden romantic suspense “He makes me hot and cold at the same time.”  A story of first love, “…fall in love with someone who loves you back just a little more.”, finding a home, finding a family to call your own, with the love & security that comes with it.  Only to be struck down by loss- ”…fate chose to take one of the good ones, and leave the ruthless and depraved behind.”, having to cope with guilt, sadness & loss “Forgiving others is easy. It’s forgiving myself that’s hard.”  Coming of age “…on my way to find what I was looking for.” & coming to terms with who you were meant to be with.  Mysterious twists, before it’s all said & done, a war will be brewing & an alliance that won’t be refused…

I love the bond between brothers, “…the feeling of family and acceptance…” & the draw between Daniel & Addison.  Sexy “…he kisses me like he’s dying for the air I breathe.”  Dark “…simultaneously strikes a bit of fear in my heart and heats my blood with lust.”  Emotional “…I don’t care about anything that happened yesterday as long as I get you tomorrow.” 

Carter’s story, Depraved – coming May, 2018 

 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Everest by S.L. Scott

SYNOPSIS

Six foot three. Dynamic green eyes. Utterly irresistible.

Ethan Everest stole my breath the first time I saw him. He romanced me with skill, dazzled me with his charisma, and proceeded to steal my heart right after.

I might have fallen for his easy going smile the first time we met, but I fell for him the second time.
 

Honey-colored hair. Cherry-kissed lips. Captivatingly gorgeous.

Singer Davis was the first, and only, woman to ever intimidate me. She spoke to my heart with her wit, seduced me with her eyes, and became the only thing that made sense in a world that made none.
 

I let her slip through my fingers once. I won’t make that mistake twice.

Secrets broke us apart. Can a second chance bring us back together?

My Review

 

“Ethan Everest. The Man. The Myth. The Mountain.”, a Texan through & through, carefree, with the world at his feet – but all of that changes in the most scandalous of ways. Everyone seems to want something from Ethan, everyone except Singer Davis. They met one night in Brooklyn, only to be pulled apart, only to get a second chance to play out the “what if’s”… “Tales of unsettled hearts, otherwise known as a romance novel.”

Told in first person from dual perspectives, Everest is a second chance mystery romance with more emotional intensity, suspense & intrigue than I ever expected.  Set in the big apple, the city that “…eats up dreams and spits them out.”  Full range of emotions - fun banter, witty, romantic, sexy “The chemistry…combustible.” & heart wrenching “…overflowing emotions…” With flashbacks throughout, these characters reconnect only to throw mixed signals at each other while struggling with secrets & burdens of their own.  She wants so much to make it in life & in love but is cautious, wanting to “…protect myself and my heart.” While his trust issues have caused him to swear off connections of any kind, dating is not an option “I think I’ve been friend-zoned, and you know there’s no coming back from that.”  Thank goodness “They’re called friends-to-lovers romances for a reason.”  With a mix of strong, friends who are family & love deeply-for a lifetime bond, to those who commit ultimate betrayals that destroy lives.  Secrets are exposed, surprise gut-wrenching twists that will have you gasping out loud…on the edge of your seat until the end.  “The universe sometimes has a mind of its own. But no matter what has happened, we fought our fate and found our destiny.”

I love that he loves sports & she loves books.  Couldn't get enough of Singers genuineness & the way she empowered Ethan – simply by accepting him for who he is.  The intensity between all of the characters, loyalty & love, is so good! 

Thank you S.L. – like Singer, “I love getting lost in a good book.”

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

 

Constant by Rachel Higginson

 

Blurb

Fifteen years ago I met Sayer Wesley. I fell in love with him. I promised I would never leave him. I swore nothing could break us apart.

Five years ago I broke my promise. I ran away. I took the one secret that could destroy us both and disappeared. 

Five days ago I thought I saw him. 

I knew it was impossible. Sayer was locked away, serving a deserved sentence in federal prison. He couldn’t find me. 

He wouldn’t find me. I was too good at hiding. Too good at surviving. 

Because if Sayer ever found me, there would be hell to pay for a plethora of sins. The worst of which, he didn’t even know about. 

Five hours ago, I told myself I was crazy. 

Five minutes ago, I saw him again. 

Five seconds ago, I was too late. 

 

My Review

“We’ve heard the siren’s song and responded to her deathly lure. We’re not criminals. We’re artists. Con artists.” 

Told in first person, this romantic suspense is a steady read that will keep you guessing.  Taking you from the criminal underbelly of downtown DC to Midwest Colorado with flashbacks throughout that keep the twists coming to the very cliff hanger end.  It has who dun it mystery, light moments of humor & heart stopping ones all wrapped into one.  These characters have the most unconventional pasts, which lead them to go to great lengths in search of a life they can call their own for the future.  “We dreamed of distant places untouched by mafia and career criminals.”  A story of family, loyalty & betrayal.  How family isn’t always blood, “I knew from experience that blood could be bought and loyalty wasn’t an inherited trait.”  An intense second chances love story that is sexy, “…hungry, greedy, possessive.” It’s heartbreakingly intense “And it’s deep and wild and forever.”

I love the unique way these characters were brought together, their survival skills & protective nature.  Caroline is my hero, strong & brave even when she doesn’t believe it herself. Sayer – Oh Sayer – sexy, intense, feral “That’s why I keep kissing you.” love him!  I’m glad Rachel chose to turn this tale into a duet & am so looking forward to book two, Consequence, the conclusion to Sayer & Caroline’s epic love story – coming February 2018.

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

 

Sacred by S.L. Scott

SYNOPSIS

The war was waged. The king got his queen, but where did that leave me? 

When I thought there was no hope, that suffering this lonely life was my destiny, I saw her. The bubblegum pink skirt caught my attention, but her doe eyes captured my heart. Could she be my SAVIOR?

With her, I don’t have to hide the demons that haunt me, or to relive my darkest days alone. 

With me, she’s free to be whoever she wants to be. She’s amazing.

Together, we’re two people clinging to a ray of sunshine that only the other can see.

I let my guard down. I got too comfortable. I thought the war had been won when, in reality, it had just begun. When old debts accrue, past demons return to collect their dues. 

To find the SOLACE these young lovers crave, will they have to sacrifice the one thing they hold most SACRED?

From New York Times bestselling author, S.L. SCOTT, comes a new, emotionally driven, romantic suspense standalone. 

 

After reading the Kingwood Duet & Solace, I was happily surprised for more from S.L. Scott with Cruise’s story & she has delivered!  Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you read her The Kingwood Duet before Sacred – Cruise is a supporting character in the duet, & reading it will provide important background & ease you into Sacred.  See my 5 star reviews for The Kingwood Duet ~ Savage & Savior! 

 

Sacred, told in first person, from dual perspectives is a steady read that will have you hooked from the start.  Cruise is a rich kid with a dark past he can't seem to escape & Clara is the innocent girl next door type with secrets of her own. Can Cruise be her safe haven, can she pull him from the darkness into her light?  “…his dark melds into mine and together we become a lighter shade of gray.”

 

In this dark romantic suspense, emotions run deep with a story line that includes the very real effects of adoption, domestic & sexual abuse & the fight for survival. “I’ve experienced stuff I don’t want to talk about. Things that threaten to bury me daily.”  These characters are brought together by fate to meet their secrets & demons head on. “Lost. I’m lost to the demons that haunt me.” With flashbacks & twists from the start, in the end all is revealed.  So sexy “…together we like a little dirty with the love we make.” & romantic.  With strong bonds of friends who are “…more my family than my actual family ever has been.” & families that are broken.  A story of love, survival, & overcoming life-altering tragedies that threaten to consume, only to make you stronger if you let them.  “His rough to my soft. I wonder if that’s how we’ll always be. If two shattered souls are better apart or together.

 

For me, this was the best of the Kingwood Duet spin-off’s as of yet.  The instant mutual connection between these characters is palpable.  I love the easy soul baring banter.  Clara’s quirkiness & Cruise’s honest, protective nature.  Adored from start to finish, loved the ending & how everything comes full circle.  Another epic love story from S.L. & I look forward to her next. 

 

“We survive. We live. We love.” “Irrevocably.”

 

“Life is sacred.”

 

 ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

 

Amazon US/UK

Mended (Broken Trilogy #2) by J.L. Drake

Savannah takes control…

Tired of all the lies and deception Savannah decides that she must face things on her own. As she seeks to find out who she really is she still must deal with the fallout from her past.

Her fragile hold on her new life slowly gives her the confidence to move ahead. What she really needs is right in front of her waiting for the right moment to prove his love.

Mended is the third & final book of J.L. Drakes romantic suspense trilogy~ Broken.  As the story continues… Savi is “starting to mend…” working to find herself “I won’t back down on living life. It’s painful, but I know I need this time for me. I need to be whole.” but risks ending up lonely & pushing those she holds most dear away.  Now as she tries to sort out her life, she still has to face down her enemies one last time. 
 

Told in third person from dual perspectives, this steady, page turning mystery thriller romance starts where book two left off – “I’m just trying to get through this so I can figure out what I want to do with what’s left of my life.”  This installment shifts focus almost entirely to the relationship & future for Savi & Logan, while dealing with all that the past has entailed "As much as I hate my past, it brought me to all of you. I'm incredibly lucky for that.".  They search for belonging, a fresh start & trust among new friends & old, love – new & old, this story will give you a couple new twists & an ending where chapters can finally be closed.  The strength of the love between these characters continues to be tested as they give time & space & understanding not so their love can fade, but grow beyond what they thought possible  “Life is too short to float, so sink a little and start living.”  Above & beyond the first two books - "This. Is. Incredibly. Sexy." The last of the trilogy & the perfect “Home is where the heart is.” ending.
 

I love that this trilogy has grown a family among strangers under the most traumatic (& action packed) of circumstances "First, I'm seeing family, not just a friend."  The instant connection between Savi & Logan & the journey of the love they share.  A great blend of action & romance over the three books, summed up here.

 “He reaches deep down in my soul, and any damage left in my heart is finally mended.”

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Shattered (Broken Trilogy #2) by J.L. Drake

After witnessing the murder of her lover and the heartbreaking loss of their unborn child, Savannah wants to end it all.

Then she is given a second chance at love. Sadly, even when life hands you second chances it doesn’t always follow that things will work out the way you want them to.

Some lies can just be too painful to move on from. What’s worse than being Broken? Being shattered…

Shattered is the second book in J.L. Drakes romantic suspense trilogy~ Broken.  As the story continues… Savi struggles to come to terms with loss of what she’s grown to love so deeply “My heart is shattered forever…” as her new found family look for answers to ensure her safety & their own. 

Told in third person from dual perspectives, this steady, page turning mystery thriller starts where book one left off – you’ll get the answers you were looking for with a few surprises thrown your way.  Trust & survival, betrayal, friendship & love, this story will have you gasping as answers to so many twists & turns are revealed.  “The snowflake…that’s what I’m holding onto.” The line goes dead.  The strength of the love between these characters is tested as they realize the need to find answers for themselves, all the while still sexy & loving, “you’re like a dream I never want to wake up from.”.  The second of the trilogy, you will be ready for more.

I love the focus of this book as it shifts strongly toward trust, moving on & growing in search for inner peace.  Can’t get enough of the protective nature & love between friends & family.  – "Know I love you and will do anything to protect you, and when this is all over I intend to make you smile for the rest of your life."

 “My life has been shattered, and it’s time I pick up the pieces”

 Looking forward to the final installment - Mended book three!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US/UK

Savior (The Kingwood Duet #2) by S.L. Scott

Blurb

Everything is not as it seems.

Alexander IV has succeeded to the throne of the billion-dollar Kingwood Empire, but the people he thought he could trust aren't allies.

They're enemies.

Everyone he cares about is at risk.

Decisions--SACRIFICES--must be made.

What will he do to protect the people he loves? Will Sara Jane live or die?

Find out NOW in this EPIC conclusion to the bestselling The Kingwood Duet. Savage, book 1 in the series, should be read first and is LIVE on Amazon.

  

My Review

Savior, the second book of The Kingwood Duet, is a Romantic Suspense/Mystery Thriller - true epic conclusion to the duet.  Savage, book 1 of the series must be read before.  Alexander Kingwood continues his fight against a world that seems bent on destroying him.  Searching for answers he may never get, by asking questions that put lives at risk, dealing with his anguish the only way he knows how - revenge, all the while praying for one thing - survival for his queen.  "She's the reason I breathe, the reason I wake up in the morning. She's everything that matters in my life. I can't lose her."  Sara Jane & her beautiful heart - is she strong enough "Her innocence cloaked the woman beneath, the bold and strong woman..." For King & his Queen - the Kingwood's "only exist because the other does."  "Our story may not be pretty, but it's still ours..." 

The first quarter of this read gave me exactly what I'd been waiting for. "The dead don't care how we mourn. This is a show for everyone else." The second quarter was a slow build to something I never could've expected. "We're not invincible. Actions have consequences."  By the mid-point - wow, I mean "shut up! & wow & NO!" "This can't be happening. This can't be how it ends."  Riddled with flashbacks & told in first person, from dual perspectives, this is an emotional roller coaster of heart gutting loss, sadness, hopelessness, guilt, pain, fear, regret, forgiveness, all wrapped up in a love story for the ages. "A love this extraordinary can't be contained to one lifetime." Mysteries will be solved, only to lead to "a whole new mystery...", & new questions. "...two souls fated to fight a battle we may never win." Questions are answered, leading to more - the kind you never see coming "We signed a deal with the devil before we read the contract. We'll take this journey together, because it's too late to turn back now."  - As with Savage - Expect surprises even after the mystery is revealed with more, twists & turns, & an ending that comes to quickly - don't let yourself read this to fast! In the end, ALL is revealed.

 "I always knew you'd be my savior."
 

S.L. Scott has finished this duet beautifully.  She draws you in, builds upon the story, gets you invested further than you can imagine.  This epic love story is one that I will revisit & recommend to every reader.  The love, romance, friendships that make true family, mystery & intrigue, can't get enough.  I really got attached to Jason/Eric & would love a spin off for him & the mystery that his character exudes...come on S.L.!

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. 
AMAZON US / UK 

 

Broken (Broken Trilogy Book One) by J.L. Drake

My name is Savannah Miller.

My father is the mayor of New York. One day after my twenty-seventh birthday I was grabbed from behind. A cloth sack was quickly pulled over my head, and I was taken from everything I’d ever known.

I was beaten, starved, treated like an animal, and forced to live in a room with no windows. With no sense of time and no dignity left I finally gave up hope and made a promise to myself to end it all. Unfortunately, it was going to be a slow process.

Then one night an elite group of US Army soldiers came to my rescue. I was brought to a safe house and given two options:

One—Stay under their protection and follow their rules or...

Two—Leave and be guaranteed to be returned to the savages within a week. 

I chose option one.

As I work with a therapist and begin processing my hellish ordeal things slowly begin to surface. With the help of new friends and a potential new love I fight to get my life back and make choices that will forever alter my future.

This is my story…

My Review

Broken is the first book in J.L. Drakes romantic suspense trilogy~ Broken.  Telling the story of Savannah – Savi to those she holds dear – a brave woman struggling with demands of an enemy she doesn’t fully understand.  Rescued by an exclusive team of military professionals, made up of men who are sure to become a part of Savi’s new life as friends or possibly more.

 Told in third person from dual perspectives, this is a steady, page turning mystery thriller & romance in one.  Trust, survival, betrayal, friendship & love, shocking at times, this story keeps you guessing with twists & turns from the very start.  “Just because we can’t see danger doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist,”  Romance with a gradual build that ramps up quickly between these characters who have instant soul deep connection.  “From the moment his eyes met hers he couldn’t shake the protective feeling he had about her.”  Short but steamy love scenes, “caring, kind, respectful, understanding, yummy.”.  Be prepared for an ending that will have you gasping, leaving you with more questions than answers by the time your done – good thing there’s more to come!

 

The story starts with instant intrigue that leaves you ready for more – I love that.  I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters even with the bit of a ‘insta-love’ vibe.  I love the strong bonds these strangers who become friends & ultimately a heartfelt protective family.  Ultimately, this is a really great suspense, with an awesome cliffhanger & so much more – I can’t wait for book two!

"What could be worse than being broken? Shattered."
 

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Savage (The Kingwood Duet #1) by S.L. Scott

Blurb

From New York Times Bestselling Author, S.L. SCOTT, comes this new and utterly captivating series, The Kingwood Series. With memorable characters and an unforgettable story, you will want to be a part of this new series launch. 

Welcome to the mysterious world of the rich and the damned in this gritty, modern day fairy tale. Two star-crossed lovers will either find their destiny or meet their fate in a world where demons come in the form of familiar faces and pawns aren’t just players, but deadly. 

She was my destiny.

I was her downfall.

We were a match made in hell.

But when we were together, that hell was pure heaven. 

The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew she would pay the price for my sins. I wasn’t much older than she was, but old enough to know better. Old enough to know she would be good for me and I was bad for her. But I pursued her anyway. Back then I had hope that maybe she could change my future.

Maybe together we could change our fate . . .

My Review

Savage, the first book of The Kingwood Duet, is a Romantic Suspense/Mystery Thriller like nothing I've read before.  Alexander Kingwood is a man on a mission ,whose life is full of secrets, enemies & lies.  Sara Jane Grayson has her whole life ahead of her, she is the only true constant in Alex's life, the only one he can count on.  All he wants is for her to be his queen.  All she wants is for him to be the King she knows he can be.

Told in first person, from dual perspectives, this story starts out slow, leaving no doubt that the love between these characters is beyond intense.  A soul deep kind of love "We'll never love anyone as much as we love each other."  The sensual & sexy physical attraction between these two is nothing short of hot.  There also is no room for doubt, that this is a tale of good versus evil, light versus dark, just as much as it is a romance "I love you, both the dark and the light.", "I never knew life could teeter between good and evil so easily..."  There is a lot of build up before the nature of the mystery is revealed & I was unsure where the story was going for a while (DON'T let that deter you).  Expect surprises even after the mystery is revealed with more, twists & turns, & an ending that comes to quickly. 

S.L. Scott has the wonderful ability to draw you in, building the story, getting you invested to the extreme without even realizing it!  At first glance, I didn't think the slow build was necessary, honestly thought it was a bit much, just to add to the mystery of it all... until the very end.  This is an epic love story that I never saw coming...  I love Alexander & his knight in shining armor - "determined to be everything she would ever need." way with Sara Jane.  I love Sara Jane & the insurmountable strength she didn't know she had - "There's nothing ugly about the firefly.  Just like her, its strength is illuminated in the darkest of times."  Together they hold to the mantra "Don't let the world win." Oh my goodness how I hope that will be true... S.L. Scott summed up my thoughts on this story best: "I didn't love it because of the ending. I loved it because of the journey.  Every love story has its burdens to bear. It's how they survive it that makes it great."

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK

Mistaken Identity by M.C. Jackson

Blurb

The last time I saw my sister was the day before she vanished from my life. I’ve spent the last five years searching for her, clinging to the hope that one day I will find out what happened to her, but every lead has ended up at a dead end.

Until now.

He took me because he thinks I’m Her.

My instinct is to run. I want to fight my way out of there, but I can’t. This man is my only connection to my sister. I’ll do whatever it takes to uncover the truth. Even if it means falling right into the arms of a psychopath.

My Review

Mistaken Identity is a romantic psychological suspense that had me guessing until the end.  Lena is as straight-laced as they come with her twin sister, Anna, the rebel running away from everything that haunts her, they couldn't be more different sisters if they tried.  Jake is as complicated as he is charming, who knows what he is capable of.  These characters relationships intertwine in such a unique way, making this story line especially original.

Told in first person, from the lead characters' perspectives, via memory flashbacks & current day, this was an excruciatingly slow unraveling of backstory & mystery reveal for me.  The story itself is a good one, but I found myself hanging on every word trying to piece it all together - thinking perhaps I'd missed something, when I found the story lacking progress more than three-quarters of the way through. 

Thank you to MC Jackson for spurring readers on with dialogue like

"I can't stop reading.  I'm so close to the end, and certain I'm about to uncover something big." 

&

"I know all the answers are in here, waiting for me to find them." 

And they were, all is revealed in the end, & although I was very close to giving up, I'm so glad I stuck with it.  Would I have liked more progression earlier on? Yes.  Was it worth the wait? YES.  There is no question from the start "this isn't a god dammed fairy-tale."  And once the twists & turns begin, you will not be disappointed!

ARC provided by Give Me Books for an honest review.

Amazon US/UK