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Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Marra is the third born Princess of a small Kingdom and she teams up with a motley crew comprising of a Dust Wife with a demon possessed chicken, Fenris a on the run former Knight that they rescue from a goblin market and a reluctant fairy godmother to save Marra's sister Kania from her abusive husband.
There were definitely some interesting concepts woven throughout this but none were delved into deep enough for me, the story felt very matter of fact, told in a blunt straight to the point way where I wanted more exploration and development. It feels like it should be a dark fairytale yet doesn't fully reach that potential, in my opinion. The story is clearly tackling the subject of domestic violence through a fairytale medium, and although the world is intriguing and darkish, there was something disjointed in the execution for me... I think the attempts to make the story sweet and lighthearted with a very basic romantic subplot threw me off as I wanted it to fully lean into the darker aspects of the story.
This was my first book by this author and overall I enjoyed her writing, descriptive without being too dense, enough world building without feeling info dumpy, detailed characters with layers and an interesting plot that kept me listening. I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue and for an included listen I can't complain, it is worth giving a go if you're looking for a standalone adventure/fantasy that kinda gives Baba Yaga vibes. It's also my first narrated by Amara Jasper, who was great to listen to.
"Nothing is fair, except that we try to make it so. That’s the point of humans, maybe, to fix the things the gods haven’t managed."
"Let it lie,” the godmother said. “We’ll find out soon enough. There’s nothing we can do either way.” “I can fret,” snapped Marra. “And I intend to!” “And I won’t stop you.” Agnes patted her arm. “A good fret is balm for the soul. Just don’t overdo it."
There were definitely some interesting concepts woven throughout this but none were delved into deep enough for me, the story felt very matter of fact, told in a blunt straight to the point way where I wanted more exploration and development. It feels like it should be a dark fairytale yet doesn't fully reach that potential, in my opinion. The story is clearly tackling the subject of domestic violence through a fairytale medium, and although the world is intriguing and darkish, there was something disjointed in the execution for me... I think the attempts to make the story sweet and lighthearted with a very basic romantic subplot threw me off as I wanted it to fully lean into the darker aspects of the story.
This was my first book by this author and overall I enjoyed her writing, descriptive without being too dense, enough world building without feeling info dumpy, detailed characters with layers and an interesting plot that kept me listening. I came across this in the Audible Plus catalogue and for an included listen I can't complain, it is worth giving a go if you're looking for a standalone adventure/fantasy that kinda gives Baba Yaga vibes. It's also my first narrated by Amara Jasper, who was great to listen to.
"Nothing is fair, except that we try to make it so. That’s the point of humans, maybe, to fix the things the gods haven’t managed."
"Let it lie,” the godmother said. “We’ll find out soon enough. There’s nothing we can do either way.” “I can fret,” snapped Marra. “And I intend to!” “And I won’t stop you.” Agnes patted her arm. “A good fret is balm for the soul. Just don’t overdo it."
Montana Danger by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Book 2 in the Resting Warrior Ranch series follows Grace & Harlan who make breif appearances in book one where it is made clear they have a history and because of that there is animosity between them, mainly from Grace, but we don't know the reasons for it until we dive into this story.
The concept of Resting Warrior Ranch and what and why the MMCs of these books started it is interesting to me and I was hoping more of this story would be set within it and it would be shown/explored more but it wasn't. Again the overall plot for this was predictable and formulaic for a story like this but there were elements that were on the ridiculous side, like legal documentation going missing and none of the respective government offices having digital copies of them on file...in 2022... when this book was written... and we are just meant to roll with that. 🤨 Other than that, this was again an easy listen narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Grayson Owens that was included with my Everand subscription. The characters were simplistic but likeable, and the plot had enough going on to keep me entertained. I think I will use these as quick and easy background listens for when I'm busy with mundane tasks as they do what I need them to in those moments. 🌶🌶
The concept of Resting Warrior Ranch and what and why the MMCs of these books started it is interesting to me and I was hoping more of this story would be set within it and it would be shown/explored more but it wasn't. Again the overall plot for this was predictable and formulaic for a story like this but there were elements that were on the ridiculous side, like legal documentation going missing and none of the respective government offices having digital copies of them on file...in 2022... when this book was written... and we are just meant to roll with that. 🤨 Other than that, this was again an easy listen narrated by Maxine Mitchell and Grayson Owens that was included with my Everand subscription. The characters were simplistic but likeable, and the plot had enough going on to keep me entertained. I think I will use these as quick and easy background listens for when I'm busy with mundane tasks as they do what I need them to in those moments. 🌶🌶
Dawn of Flames by Tessa Hale
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Book 3 and the final instalment of this paranormal why choose trilogy and without getting into the details of the story... this went down exactly as I thought it would. Overall, the trilogy was a fun time, and I enjoyed listening to the audiobooks, but it doesn't break the mould at all in terms of character development or plot. This was a very typical why choose scenario with an added paranormal/shifter element, which was fun.
There was no need for this to be a trilogy in my opinion, this could easily have been one book and I would have gotten the same enjoyment from it, the story itself was surface level and needed more meat on the bone/something for me to really sink my teeth into. But in terms of entertainment, this ticked the box. At no point was I bored or feeling like I wanted to dnf etc, it was just predictable, and the ending rushed.
I buddy listened to this series with a friend, and we had a blast messaging back and forth whilst listening. This was my first time reading this authors work and I'm left with the impression that she would be a brilliant pallet cleanser read for me between other things or when I'm in a slump so I will definitely read more from her in the future. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable fantasy/paranormal romance with good spice that you don't need to have your brain 100% tuned into to follow along and with a cast of incredible narrators then this will be for you. 🌶🌶
Hayden (Vanessa Moyen)
Knox (Teddy Hamilton)
Maddox (Connor Crais)
Cael (Joe Arden)
Easton (Jacob Morgan)
Cillian (Jason Clarke)
There was no need for this to be a trilogy in my opinion, this could easily have been one book and I would have gotten the same enjoyment from it, the story itself was surface level and needed more meat on the bone/something for me to really sink my teeth into. But in terms of entertainment, this ticked the box. At no point was I bored or feeling like I wanted to dnf etc, it was just predictable, and the ending rushed.
I buddy listened to this series with a friend, and we had a blast messaging back and forth whilst listening. This was my first time reading this authors work and I'm left with the impression that she would be a brilliant pallet cleanser read for me between other things or when I'm in a slump so I will definitely read more from her in the future. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable fantasy/paranormal romance with good spice that you don't need to have your brain 100% tuned into to follow along and with a cast of incredible narrators then this will be for you. 🌶🌶
Hayden (Vanessa Moyen)
Knox (Teddy Hamilton)
Maddox (Connor Crais)
Cael (Joe Arden)
Easton (Jacob Morgan)
Cillian (Jason Clarke)
Ghosted by J.M. Darhower
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ghosted is a second chance romance between movie star and Hollywood heartthrob Jonathan Cunningham aka Johnny Cunning and assistant store manager and single mum Kennedy, high-school sweethearts who ran away together to follow Jonathan's dreams and fell apart whilst doing so. This is the story of how they find their way back to each other and what happened in the past that tore them apart.
I read this book years ago on my Kindle and came across the audiobook which was included in my Everand subscription, I remembered enjoying it the first time so decided to give it a listen and wasn't disappointed. Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden narrate and both deliver fantastic performances as always, these are two of my favourite narrators for a reason.
The story itself isn't the typical fluffy romance you might expect and both Kennedy & Jonathan's characters have layers and complexity to them, we start out with this couple already being apart and we get their history through flashback type scenes using Kennedys journal, alongside the current day turmoil they are going through to try and get back to each other. Kennedy is a strong FMC which i love to see, my only gripe is the author kept her celibate through their split which i would've preferred not to be the case, she puts her daughter first always and I found her very relatable. Jonathan was a realistic and flawed character and i think how the author wrote him was well done as she takes you on a journey to understanding how he has ended up where he did and shows him working hard to make amends. Overall I think this is a really well written romance with more to it than initially meets the eye, the audiobook was great and i throughly enjoyed my reread of this. 🌶🌶
"I’ve missed the fuck out of her these past few years. I don’t deserve her time, not in the least, but I’m so desperate for some part of this woman back that I’ll steal every second that I can get."
I read this book years ago on my Kindle and came across the audiobook which was included in my Everand subscription, I remembered enjoying it the first time so decided to give it a listen and wasn't disappointed. Maxine Mitchell & Joe Arden narrate and both deliver fantastic performances as always, these are two of my favourite narrators for a reason.
The story itself isn't the typical fluffy romance you might expect and both Kennedy & Jonathan's characters have layers and complexity to them, we start out with this couple already being apart and we get their history through flashback type scenes using Kennedys journal, alongside the current day turmoil they are going through to try and get back to each other. Kennedy is a strong FMC which i love to see, my only gripe is the author kept her celibate through their split which i would've preferred not to be the case, she puts her daughter first always and I found her very relatable. Jonathan was a realistic and flawed character and i think how the author wrote him was well done as she takes you on a journey to understanding how he has ended up where he did and shows him working hard to make amends. Overall I think this is a really well written romance with more to it than initially meets the eye, the audiobook was great and i throughly enjoyed my reread of this. 🌶🌶
"I’ve missed the fuck out of her these past few years. I don’t deserve her time, not in the least, but I’m so desperate for some part of this woman back that I’ll steal every second that I can get."
Montana Sanctuary by Josie Jade, Janie Crouch
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Evelyn is on the run/in hiding from her psycho ex, after he finds her again she runs to a small town in Montana and straight onto Resting Warrior Ranch looking for a job, said Ranch just so happens to be owned by a group of ex military men who started the Ranch when their own journey to recovery from PTSD wasn't providing all they needed it to and they wanted to offer a space for others like them to come and heal. One of those guys is Lucas, and the moment he lays eyes on Evelyn he feels a pull towards her he can't explain, but can he stop her from running again and keep her safe when her past once again finds her?
I came across the audiobook for this on Everand and decided to give it a try. The relationship between Evelyn & Lucas was very insta-lust/lovey especially given her circumstances and past, and had this book been longer and more time been taken to develop the inital connection between them I would have been more invested overall. The suspense aspect of this was done well though, the author didn't shy away from making Evelyn's ex a threat and although the overall plot and how the characters acted were very typical of a story like this I was entertained so will read more from this series to see how I get on as this was my first book by this author. Emma Wilder & Connor Brown narrate and this was my first book by Connor, I liked his performance and would listen to him again for sure. 🌶🌶
I came across the audiobook for this on Everand and decided to give it a try. The relationship between Evelyn & Lucas was very insta-lust/lovey especially given her circumstances and past, and had this book been longer and more time been taken to develop the inital connection between them I would have been more invested overall. The suspense aspect of this was done well though, the author didn't shy away from making Evelyn's ex a threat and although the overall plot and how the characters acted were very typical of a story like this I was entertained so will read more from this series to see how I get on as this was my first book by this author. Emma Wilder & Connor Brown narrate and this was my first book by Connor, I liked his performance and would listen to him again for sure. 🌶🌶
Midnight of Ashes by Tessa Hale
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Book 2 of this paranormal, why choose trilogy, and again, my review is going to be quick and brief.
This was a quick and entertaining listen, it follows straight on from book one, but unfortunately does seem to suffer from second book syndrome as in there isn't a ton that goes on that moved the plot outside of the romantic relationships forward. A few interesting aspects were introduced, but the majority of what goes on in this book is very typical and predictable for this kind of story. Don't get me wrong I was still entertained and I want to know where the final book will take the story, I just have a feeling I already know and I wanted this to surprise me instead of following the formula majority of why choose books do. This is a decent follow on from book one, the performances from all the narrators were great but that isn't a shock considering the line-up, I buddy listened with a friend and getting her reactions etc definitely helped my overall enjoyment of this book. 🌶🌶.5
Hayden (Vanessa)
Knox (Teddy)
Maddox (Connor)
Cael (Joe)
Easton (Jacob)
Cillian (Jason)
This was a quick and entertaining listen, it follows straight on from book one, but unfortunately does seem to suffer from second book syndrome as in there isn't a ton that goes on that moved the plot outside of the romantic relationships forward. A few interesting aspects were introduced, but the majority of what goes on in this book is very typical and predictable for this kind of story. Don't get me wrong I was still entertained and I want to know where the final book will take the story, I just have a feeling I already know and I wanted this to surprise me instead of following the formula majority of why choose books do. This is a decent follow on from book one, the performances from all the narrators were great but that isn't a shock considering the line-up, I buddy listened with a friend and getting her reactions etc definitely helped my overall enjoyment of this book. 🌶🌶.5
Hayden (Vanessa)
Knox (Teddy)
Maddox (Connor)
Cael (Joe)
Easton (Jacob)
Cillian (Jason)
Between the Devil and the Sea by Chani Lynn Feener
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Check content and TWs.
Given the blurb for this book I expected this to be right up my street and although by the end I did enjoy this read and found the premise, world building & characters interesting the overall execution of the story lacked something for me. Both Shadow & Apollo are intriguing characters with layers to them but their connection as a couple and how that came about wasn't strong enough for me, it lacked something outside of the physical to really cement their bond in my opinion and even what the author threw in towards the very end wasn't enough for me to really believe their connection. I totally understood how and what the author was trying to do, but the lack of chemistry made it hard to fully believe. The very start of the book hooked me but then the pacing went right out the window and it seemed to take forever to reach a point where the story looked like it was finally going to deliver on what the synopsis & tws said it would, and to an extent it did but it quickly became repetitive and that had me zoning out.
Sci-fi setting, empaths, serial killer psychopath, noncon, stalking, kidnapping, murder, violence, abandonment issues, Stockholm syndrome, and yet I'm left feeling that somehow it wasn’t that dark. I can't explain it. Apollo delivers on being a true psychopath though, there is absolutely zero remorse for what he does and I appreciate the author delivering on that when I've read other books that claim to have a psychopathic character but they never fully commit. Overall, the bones of a great story were there and somewhat delivered upon, this was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it enough to give more of their work a try. 🌶🌶🌶
"He was going to fulfill all of his dark desires. He'd have Shadow on his knees begging for him, begging to be hurt and loved and cared for and destroyed. He was going to twist the detective so tightly around his fingers, thoughts of anyone else wouldn't so much as enter Shadow's mind. Apollo was going to become his everything."
"He'd fix Shadow Yor, take him apart, figure out how the pieces went back together properly, and make him whole again. And then he'd slice that beautiful neck and watch as the life drained from those pretty hazel-colored eyes and get back to his regularly scheduled program."
Given the blurb for this book I expected this to be right up my street and although by the end I did enjoy this read and found the premise, world building & characters interesting the overall execution of the story lacked something for me. Both Shadow & Apollo are intriguing characters with layers to them but their connection as a couple and how that came about wasn't strong enough for me, it lacked something outside of the physical to really cement their bond in my opinion and even what the author threw in towards the very end wasn't enough for me to really believe their connection. I totally understood how and what the author was trying to do, but the lack of chemistry made it hard to fully believe. The very start of the book hooked me but then the pacing went right out the window and it seemed to take forever to reach a point where the story looked like it was finally going to deliver on what the synopsis & tws said it would, and to an extent it did but it quickly became repetitive and that had me zoning out.
Sci-fi setting, empaths, serial killer psychopath, noncon, stalking, kidnapping, murder, violence, abandonment issues, Stockholm syndrome, and yet I'm left feeling that somehow it wasn’t that dark. I can't explain it. Apollo delivers on being a true psychopath though, there is absolutely zero remorse for what he does and I appreciate the author delivering on that when I've read other books that claim to have a psychopathic character but they never fully commit. Overall, the bones of a great story were there and somewhat delivered upon, this was my first book by this author, and I enjoyed it enough to give more of their work a try. 🌶🌶🌶
"He was going to fulfill all of his dark desires. He'd have Shadow on his knees begging for him, begging to be hurt and loved and cared for and destroyed. He was going to twist the detective so tightly around his fingers, thoughts of anyone else wouldn't so much as enter Shadow's mind. Apollo was going to become his everything."
"He'd fix Shadow Yor, take him apart, figure out how the pieces went back together properly, and make him whole again. And then he'd slice that beautiful neck and watch as the life drained from those pretty hazel-colored eyes and get back to his regularly scheduled program."
Hudson by Samantha Skye
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
ARC Review
Book 2 in the Billionaires of Whispers series follows Lacy & Hudson. Lacy is still mentally recovering after the events of book one that she was caught up in whilst also burning the candle at both ends with her job and taking care of her sick mother. Husdon is moving back to town to take over as the town Dr with his son Harvey in tow, both he and Lacy feel a pull towards the other and have for a while so now he is back in town can they navigate her reluctance to get involved when her life is already busy aswell as the significant age gap amongst other things to find their HEA?
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this as much as I did book one. I didn't connect with either Lacy or Hudson individually or as a couple. Frankly Lacys reasons for not getting involved with Hunter were ridiculous, I understand her mother is sick and Lacy has had to be her caregiver majority of her life, but the way Lacy refused to even go out anywhere unless her mom had someone with her seemed excessive, especially as from what I could gather her mom is actually in remission throughout this book and not actively in the throws of her illness, it was like Lacy was infantalising her mom to a degree and just came across very weird to me. And her internal monologue was nothing but pining for and lamenting about wanting Hudson whilst actively rejecting his attempts to date her, it just made no sense to me.
Hudson was ok... except for as a single dad he sure did seem to forget he has a son. There are hardly any scenes of him actively being a parent, his son is constantly palmed off on others for sleepovers etc in order for the story between the main couple to progress so Lacy's "connection" with the kid felt very forced and surface level at best. The drama surrounding Lacy also did nothing for me and how she chose to handle it and how it played out in the end was was eyeroll inducing and very telenovela-ish. There was some decent spice but a book needs more than that for it to work for me. I'm just left underwhelmed which is such a shame as I remember really enjoying book one. 🤷♀️ 🌶🌶
" I slowed my feverish kiss, wanting to take it all in. Her little sounds hit my lips like torture, and there's no way I can stay away from her anymore. This is just another moment to solidify that fact. No more going slow. No more dancing around each other. She is my girl, and now I want the world to know."
Book 2 in the Billionaires of Whispers series follows Lacy & Hudson. Lacy is still mentally recovering after the events of book one that she was caught up in whilst also burning the candle at both ends with her job and taking care of her sick mother. Husdon is moving back to town to take over as the town Dr with his son Harvey in tow, both he and Lacy feel a pull towards the other and have for a while so now he is back in town can they navigate her reluctance to get involved when her life is already busy aswell as the significant age gap amongst other things to find their HEA?
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this as much as I did book one. I didn't connect with either Lacy or Hudson individually or as a couple. Frankly Lacys reasons for not getting involved with Hunter were ridiculous, I understand her mother is sick and Lacy has had to be her caregiver majority of her life, but the way Lacy refused to even go out anywhere unless her mom had someone with her seemed excessive, especially as from what I could gather her mom is actually in remission throughout this book and not actively in the throws of her illness, it was like Lacy was infantalising her mom to a degree and just came across very weird to me. And her internal monologue was nothing but pining for and lamenting about wanting Hudson whilst actively rejecting his attempts to date her, it just made no sense to me.
Hudson was ok... except for as a single dad he sure did seem to forget he has a son. There are hardly any scenes of him actively being a parent, his son is constantly palmed off on others for sleepovers etc in order for the story between the main couple to progress so Lacy's "connection" with the kid felt very forced and surface level at best. The drama surrounding Lacy also did nothing for me and how she chose to handle it and how it played out in the end was was eyeroll inducing and very telenovela-ish. There was some decent spice but a book needs more than that for it to work for me. I'm just left underwhelmed which is such a shame as I remember really enjoying book one. 🤷♀️ 🌶🌶
" I slowed my feverish kiss, wanting to take it all in. Her little sounds hit my lips like torture, and there's no way I can stay away from her anymore. This is just another moment to solidify that fact. No more going slow. No more dancing around each other. She is my girl, and now I want the world to know."
Lovers by Fiona Cole
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Jake & Jackson were best friends in college until one day, something happened that made Jake cut Jackson out of his life. That is, until five years later, when fate decides to make them work together, and Jake shows up with a fiance, Carina. Jake & Carina have known each other since childhood and are very comfortable with each other and their relationship. So much so that even though they have a fulfilling sex life, a game of truth or dare with Jackson leads to a wild night and a situation that has feelings growing into something bigger that nobody intended. But what happens when those feelings only revolve around two out of the three?
Book 2 in the Voyeur series, and although these characters feature in book 1, this can be read as a standalone. I like all three main characters, I think Fiona does a fantastic job of weaving the dynamics between them and showcasing the struggle each of them goes through as the story progresses where it is inevitable that they are all going to cause pain to each other on some level. The spice in this is fantastic and there is plenty of it but the book is more than that, this is a story about accepting who you are, being brave enough to live your life the way you really want to and not settling for less/comfort/ease or living your life because of others expectations. I can't say more without giving away the entire story, and I think you need to go into this with a blank slate and make your own mind up about how things unfold. The narration on the audiobook is top notch, with Jo Raylan, Greg Boudreaux & Teddy Hamilton narrating. This was in my top 10 Reads of 2023, and my overall thoughts and enjoyment of the book haven't changed during this relisten. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
" Jackson walked up to the table, looking at me first, giving me this look that said he knew what my darkest fears were and what my cum tasted like."
"It felt like coming home. Better than I'd ever felt with anyone else's arms around me. It wasn't until the light of day peeked through the blinds that panic set in and I'd ran."
"He was dying, Jackson, and I would have given him anything he wanted. I'm glad you had the support to be the man you are, but I have heavy expectations I can't let go of. Expectations I can't meet by loving another man."
"Having him be the one to present her to me was as good as a confession that he wanted me - that he was going to have me. If he needed Carina as a buffer, then so be it. If it meant having him, I'd love them both."
Book 2 in the Voyeur series, and although these characters feature in book 1, this can be read as a standalone. I like all three main characters, I think Fiona does a fantastic job of weaving the dynamics between them and showcasing the struggle each of them goes through as the story progresses where it is inevitable that they are all going to cause pain to each other on some level. The spice in this is fantastic and there is plenty of it but the book is more than that, this is a story about accepting who you are, being brave enough to live your life the way you really want to and not settling for less/comfort/ease or living your life because of others expectations. I can't say more without giving away the entire story, and I think you need to go into this with a blank slate and make your own mind up about how things unfold. The narration on the audiobook is top notch, with Jo Raylan, Greg Boudreaux & Teddy Hamilton narrating. This was in my top 10 Reads of 2023, and my overall thoughts and enjoyment of the book haven't changed during this relisten. 🌶🌶🌶🌶
" Jackson walked up to the table, looking at me first, giving me this look that said he knew what my darkest fears were and what my cum tasted like."
"It felt like coming home. Better than I'd ever felt with anyone else's arms around me. It wasn't until the light of day peeked through the blinds that panic set in and I'd ran."
"He was dying, Jackson, and I would have given him anything he wanted. I'm glad you had the support to be the man you are, but I have heavy expectations I can't let go of. Expectations I can't meet by loving another man."
"Having him be the one to present her to me was as good as a confession that he wanted me - that he was going to have me. If he needed Carina as a buffer, then so be it. If it meant having him, I'd love them both."
The Crucifix Killer by Chris Carter
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
When the body of a young woman is discovered in a derelict cottage in the middle of Los Angeles National Forest, Homicide Detective Robert Hunter finds himself entering a horrific and recurring nightmare. Naked, strung from two wooden posts, the victim was sadistically tortured before meeting an excruciatingly painful death. All the skin has been ripped from her face - while she was still alive. On the nape of her neck has been carved a strange double-cross: the signature of a psychopath known as the Crucifix Killer.
But that's impossible. Because two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed. Could this, therefore, be a copycat killer? Or could the unthinkable be true? Is the real killer still out there?
This review has zero story details so as not to spoil anything and is more just the general thoughts I was left with at the end.
This was my first book by this author and the first book in their Robert Hunter series. This book was first published in 2009, and I could feel that. I found out after reading that it was the authors debut novel and whilst reading I did wonder if that was the case as at times the writing felt clunky and underdeveloped but not to the point I wanted to dnf. I just had a feeling this was their first book, and I was right.
The beginning hooked me, I was intrigued by Roberts character and how the story was going to unfold, majority of the characters and how certain things were written did feel/come across clichéd and I'm hoping that boils down to inexperience with this being a debut novel. The whodunit of it all didn't surprise or shock me. I had figured that out quite early on... my brain just picks up on stuff and it's very rare for a book like this to surprise me and it's one of the reasons I stopped reading thrillers etc for a while because never having the rug pulled from under me was tedious. Overall, I liked this, and I'm interested in reading the next in this series to see if/how the authors writing changes and if he is able to surprise me with the ending.
But that's impossible. Because two years ago, the Crucifix Killer was caught and executed. Could this, therefore, be a copycat killer? Or could the unthinkable be true? Is the real killer still out there?
This review has zero story details so as not to spoil anything and is more just the general thoughts I was left with at the end.
This was my first book by this author and the first book in their Robert Hunter series. This book was first published in 2009, and I could feel that. I found out after reading that it was the authors debut novel and whilst reading I did wonder if that was the case as at times the writing felt clunky and underdeveloped but not to the point I wanted to dnf. I just had a feeling this was their first book, and I was right.
The beginning hooked me, I was intrigued by Roberts character and how the story was going to unfold, majority of the characters and how certain things were written did feel/come across clichéd and I'm hoping that boils down to inexperience with this being a debut novel. The whodunit of it all didn't surprise or shock me. I had figured that out quite early on... my brain just picks up on stuff and it's very rare for a book like this to surprise me and it's one of the reasons I stopped reading thrillers etc for a while because never having the rug pulled from under me was tedious. Overall, I liked this, and I'm interested in reading the next in this series to see if/how the authors writing changes and if he is able to surprise me with the ending.