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Chosen
Kate Evans doesn’t take risks. She chose her apartment with care—a safe district with a good neighbor—a place where she can live a quiet, unassuming, under-the-radar existence. Then she makes one mistake and opens her door to accept a delivery of flowers from a secret admirer and her life will never be the same again. A guy she’s never seen before bursts into her apartment and asks her to marry him. Jack Thompson won’t take no for an answer and drags Kate on a cross country journey to hell.
Invalided out of the police, Nathan Beranson works as a private investigator in San Antonio, Texas where he spends too much of his time following unfaithful spouses and delivering the bad news to their partners. When his fiancée cheats on him with Jack Thompson, the half-brother Nathan’s only just met, he becomes obsessed with Jack in the same unhealthy way as his revenge-seeking clients. By the time Nathan finally realizes putting the ghosts of the past to rest is a wiser option than settling an old score, it’s too late. He’s already been drawn into his sibling’s latest deadly game and Nathan and Kate find their nightmare is only just beginning.
Invalided out of the police, Nathan Beranson works as a private investigator in San Antonio, Texas where he spends too much of his time following unfaithful spouses and delivering the bad news to their partners. When his fiancée cheats on him with Jack Thompson, the half-brother Nathan’s only just met, he becomes obsessed with Jack in the same unhealthy way as his revenge-seeking clients. By the time Nathan finally realizes putting the ghosts of the past to rest is a wiser option than settling an old score, it’s too late. He’s already been drawn into his sibling’s latest deadly game and Nathan and Kate find their nightmare is only just beginning.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 2, 2011
39 people are currently reading
3033 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Elsborg
100 books1,677 followersBarbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.
Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
October 11, 2014
**** 5 "FUCKED WITH MY MIND" STARS*****
What in the mindfuck orgy did I just read?. I feel like a tornado just swept through my brain.
.... The story starts by introducing the reader to Kate. She's a 20 year old introvert with no friends, family nor love life to speak of. She's surprised by a delivery of beautiful flowers, that were sent by a secret admirer. Ahhhh, how sweet right?..... HELL NOOO! . The delivery man is really psychotic, delusional, demented fellow named Jack who's only intention is to kidnap Kate. Jack puts Kate through hell, but she stays strong and never gives up hope of escaping......Or does she?
Oh' Jackie boy , where do I begin? He doesn't have a few screws loose.... ALL his screws are missing. He's obsessed with Kate and will go to any lengths to be the perfect couple he's always dreamed of being...... Will he have his happily ever after or will Kate escape?
Jack has a 1/2 brother named Nathan. This is NOT a story of brotherly love. Nathan hates Jack's guts, and has a unhealthy vendetta against him. Will this grudge make or break the man? Guess you'll have to read to find out.
Don is Jacks wealthy farther, who's tried numerous times to get his son the help he needs.. Don is a minor character in the story, but he knows a lot about his son. When he speaks, you should listen....Or not, its really your call.
Have I confused you yet? Good, welcome to my world. Chosen will have you cursing, hyperventilating and theorizing from ch 1 until the very end.
TO all my fellow mindfuck chasers, if you haven't read this, stop what you're doing and buy the damn book pronto .. You will not regret it, I promise you.
Special thanks to Naomi for recommending this fucked up story...MUAH!!!
August 4, 2016
4.5 Stars
This story is brutal, horrific, and absolutely captivating. This is NOT a love story. AT ALL. It all begins with a flower delivery, and Jack Thompson is his own special breed of crazy. He kidnaps Kate, an introverted young woman and a terrifying tale is created.
"You're about to have the biggest adventure of your life. Don't waste it waiting for a knight to rescue you. I'm your knight and I'm already here."
This book packs a punch - murder, rape, abuse, kidnapping, and all kinds of revelations. I found this one to be disturbingly fantastic. I was terrified about what was around it next corner, but completely enthralled. It was one crazy ride.
Definitely recommend this one to fans of darker reads.
This story is brutal, horrific, and absolutely captivating. This is NOT a love story. AT ALL. It all begins with a flower delivery, and Jack Thompson is his own special breed of crazy. He kidnaps Kate, an introverted young woman and a terrifying tale is created.
"You're about to have the biggest adventure of your life. Don't waste it waiting for a knight to rescue you. I'm your knight and I'm already here."
This book packs a punch - murder, rape, abuse, kidnapping, and all kinds of revelations. I found this one to be disturbingly fantastic. I was terrified about what was around it next corner, but completely enthralled. It was one crazy ride.
Definitely recommend this one to fans of darker reads.
April 29, 2013
Why this author is constantly overlooked beggars belief!
4.5 Stars!
Chosen is not Elsborg’s normal fare but she pulls off this dark riveting thriller with a flair that rivals the best of suspense writers.
This book would not be misplaced on the top shelf of the thrillers and suspense novels in my local WHSmith.
From the very first page Elsborg grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Not for a minute. This book reads like a movie viewed in HD with full cinema surround sound and graphic imagery.
It comes with warnings of shocking content which are not to be ignored. Most certainly not for the faint of heart as the angst alone will send any pacemaker into overdrive, even a healthy heart like mine threatens to jump out my chest at every twist and turn; and there are many.
The plot unfolds layer by darkening layer to reveal a centre of rotten psychological depravity. Every one of the players is skilfully crafted to bring a stunning sense of credibility to the plot.
The villain is a psychotic sociopath who scared the livingshit daylights out of me. Each character evokes a vast assortment of emotions from the reader an the majority of this book is a white knuckle ride without reprieve.
Chosen is NOT an enemies to lovers story, it is one hell of a suspense filled thriller. And for those who need a HEA
Overall an all-consuming book that will have you tripping over your jaw and falling into an angst ridden pit of anticipation. Just when you think you understand the villain, he defies the boundaries of evil and leaves you shaking. I loved it!
So why not a full 5 stars?
5 Stars for me means completely and irrevocably AMAZING in every way. Chosen was 95% there.
I recommend you read with a buddy, have a virtual hand to hold onto will help. Big thanks to my buddy, Soraya :)
Fabulous book Ms Elsborg, I applaud you.
4.5 Stars!
Chosen is not Elsborg’s normal fare but she pulls off this dark riveting thriller with a flair that rivals the best of suspense writers.
This book would not be misplaced on the top shelf of the thrillers and suspense novels in my local WHSmith.
From the very first page Elsborg grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Not for a minute. This book reads like a movie viewed in HD with full cinema surround sound and graphic imagery.
It comes with warnings of shocking content which are not to be ignored. Most certainly not for the faint of heart as the angst alone will send any pacemaker into overdrive, even a healthy heart like mine threatens to jump out my chest at every twist and turn; and there are many.
The plot unfolds layer by darkening layer to reveal a centre of rotten psychological depravity. Every one of the players is skilfully crafted to bring a stunning sense of credibility to the plot.
The villain is a psychotic sociopath who scared the living
Chosen is NOT an enemies to lovers story, it is one hell of a suspense filled thriller. And for those who need a HEA
Overall an all-consuming book that will have you tripping over your jaw and falling into an angst ridden pit of anticipation. Just when you think you understand the villain, he defies the boundaries of evil and leaves you shaking. I loved it!
So why not a full 5 stars?
5 Stars for me means completely and irrevocably AMAZING in every way. Chosen was 95% there.
I recommend you read with a buddy, have a virtual hand to hold onto will help. Big thanks to my buddy, Soraya :)
Fabulous book Ms Elsborg, I applaud you.
June 22, 2014
4 - 4.5 Stars
"He twists the truth, mixes it with lies. He's playing some sort of game."
This is a well written, page turning story that grabs a reader from the first page right till the very last page.
The story starts with a complete psychopath kidnapping Kate our main character...
"Marry me, Kate." Shock killed the scream in her throat. "What? Who are you?"
"Your future husband."
Kate's time with Jack is completely terrifying, secret revealing and out right twisted!
"Play my game, Kate. There really isn't any other choice."
There were so many twists and turns, murders and kidnappings, lies and truths...
"She'd never convince him he'd won because there would always be another battle to fight."
A must read for fans of dark and twisty stories!
"He twists the truth, mixes it with lies. He's playing some sort of game."
This is a well written, page turning story that grabs a reader from the first page right till the very last page.
The story starts with a complete psychopath kidnapping Kate our main character...
"Marry me, Kate." Shock killed the scream in her throat. "What? Who are you?"
"Your future husband."
Kate's time with Jack is completely terrifying, secret revealing and out right twisted!
"Play my game, Kate. There really isn't any other choice."
There were so many twists and turns, murders and kidnappings, lies and truths...
"She'd never convince him he'd won because there would always be another battle to fight."
A must read for fans of dark and twisty stories!
January 1, 2022
About five abductions, a shitload of failed escape attempts, a vast number of beatings, knife carvings and stabbings, a good deal of torture of physical and psychological variety, dozens of rapes, an abundance of bad judgements, significant amounts of idiotic decisions, a considerable quantity of 911 calls, a decent amount of head-spinning twists, a buttload of lies and one insta-love later, I'm happy to report my brains cells are still intact and working. I hope.
And don't let me start with that ending. I don't know how the author did it but it has never happened to me before. I can't say much but if you read it, you'll know it.
You know that dream when you're trying to escape while being chased but your legs aren't working? This book is a million times worse. I'm exhausted.
The book is full of plot holes, crazies, suspended-belief moments, mediocre writing and trigger situations but I LOVED EVERY FREAKING SECOND OF IT.
Watch out of triggers.
October 26, 2013
5 EVERY-DARK/MINDFUCK-WORD-YOU-CAN-THINK-OF STARS!!!!
Hrmph. So my brain is still fried from the awesomeness of this book so it'll mainly be gifs. I can't seem to tear myself away from food.
....Huh? Oh yeah, the review. Okay.
First, trash the boundaries because there are none; toss out the tissues and bring out the AK-47, cuz you will want to bomb some asses.
And remember,
No limit here.
From the very first page, Ms. Elsborg delivers a dosage of CRAZY to your door, in the form of Jack Thompson.
He kidnaps the reclusive, introverted Kate and from there, a chilling, psychotic, I.N.S.A.N.E story is born. If I didn't love it so much, I'd tell you to run away. As fast as you can. Now.
Rape, murder, abuse, kidnapping, and more (can't tell you or it'd be a spoiler) happens here, all in one book and it just got to the point where the feels tipped over and I got numb. Nothing bad or twisted could've affected me because, well, I'd already seen it all in the book.
A giant thrill ride till the very end. Just when I thought the worst was over -BAM BAM BAM SMACK SMACK SMACK PUNCH PUNCH PUNCH- another comes.
Me and the book
Okay so I basically said nothing but I RECOMMEND THIS!!!!! A lot! A lot more than a lot!!
Hrmph. So my brain is still fried from the awesomeness of this book so it'll mainly be gifs. I can't seem to tear myself away from food.
....Huh? Oh yeah, the review. Okay.
First, trash the boundaries because there are none; toss out the tissues and bring out the AK-47, cuz you will want to bomb some asses.
And remember,
No limit here.
From the very first page, Ms. Elsborg delivers a dosage of CRAZY to your door, in the form of Jack Thompson.
He kidnaps the reclusive, introverted Kate and from there, a chilling, psychotic, I.N.S.A.N.E story is born. If I didn't love it so much, I'd tell you to run away. As fast as you can. Now.
Rape, murder, abuse, kidnapping, and more (can't tell you or it'd be a spoiler) happens here, all in one book and it just got to the point where the feels tipped over and I got numb. Nothing bad or twisted could've affected me because, well, I'd already seen it all in the book.
A giant thrill ride till the very end. Just when I thought the worst was over -BAM BAM BAM SMACK SMACK SMACK PUNCH PUNCH PUNCH- another comes.
Me and the book
Okay so I basically said nothing but I RECOMMEND THIS!!!!! A lot! A lot more than a lot!!
March 25, 2015
4.5 In-fucking-tense stars!
Let me first start by saying that this book needs a big red sticker on the front of it that reads Warning! Do not even think about reading me, unless you have the time to read it cover to cover, with as little interruptions as possible.
With that said, the action starts from the first page...Literally!
There is no way I'm even going to go there with what takes place, but I will try to set the scene.
Kate Evans lives a pretty lonely life. Something traumatic took place 4 years ago, and she is still dealing with the pain. Imagine her shock, when her apartment buzzer goes off, and there is a man there to deliver flowers to her from a secret admirer. Once she opens the door, a latex gloved hand is covering her mouth and she is being pushed back inside.
Her life is now in the hands of Jack. He is going to take her on a journey and fill it with fear. She will experience both physical and emotional pain from him. He knows all about Kate, and the story he has to tell will blow her mind.
With multiple points of view, we experience an array of different activity surrounding the two, and see how it all comes together.
This was one seriously crazy and intense ride! I found myself holding my breath many times. I don't think there was a dull moment in the whole book. I was kept on the edge of my seat, and was cursing all the times I had to put this baby down.
This book is dark and will totally fuck with your psyche. Even after finishing it, I still am not quite sure if I have all my facts straight. And the reason for all of this is Jack...
His remarkable storytelling and quick mind will have you spinning.
Or is it??? The lies start intersecting with the truth, and you never know what will come out next.
The guy has his share of issues...
He sure acts insane. His short temper and devious acts will make your heart pound and have your anxiety levels in overdrive. But what's underneath all the impulsive decisions? What had happened to Jack to make him the way he is?
Jack has had a pretty rough life .
Kate was a really strong chick. The predicaments that she was put into would probably break most, but she kept on fighting. Her tenacity was truly commendable.
Even though there were mysteries to be solved, it took a backseat to the psychological shit that Kate was experiencing. The last 10-15% of the book is where pieces start to come together and you find out what's been going on.
At the end I was shocked...
A little sad...
And then confused...
Although things were wrapped up, other things that were mentioned previous to the revelations, made me question what really was going on.
I am grateful that I did not read this on my own, as I had Michelle with me on the ride. However, the fact that we were both confused about the same things, only added to the madness! This was a true mindfuck read, and even though I feel as though my IQ has dropped just by reading this, I have no regrets! I still am not sure what was truth and what was lies.
I apologize about the roughness of this review, but I also feel it reflects how I feel after reading this. I am all over the place. Gah!
So yes, in the end I would recommend you go on this crazy journey. Due to all the doubts and confusion and something that occurred at the end, I docked a half a star. This thing being...
High praise to Barbara Elsborg for writing such a twisted story. This was my second book that I've read of hers, and after both of them being such awesome reads, I'm going to have to check out more from her.
Let me first start by saying that this book needs a big red sticker on the front of it that reads Warning! Do not even think about reading me, unless you have the time to read it cover to cover, with as little interruptions as possible.
With that said, the action starts from the first page...Literally!
There is no way I'm even going to go there with what takes place, but I will try to set the scene.
Kate Evans lives a pretty lonely life. Something traumatic took place 4 years ago, and she is still dealing with the pain. Imagine her shock, when her apartment buzzer goes off, and there is a man there to deliver flowers to her from a secret admirer. Once she opens the door, a latex gloved hand is covering her mouth and she is being pushed back inside.
Her life is now in the hands of Jack. He is going to take her on a journey and fill it with fear. She will experience both physical and emotional pain from him. He knows all about Kate, and the story he has to tell will blow her mind.
With multiple points of view, we experience an array of different activity surrounding the two, and see how it all comes together.
This was one seriously crazy and intense ride! I found myself holding my breath many times. I don't think there was a dull moment in the whole book. I was kept on the edge of my seat, and was cursing all the times I had to put this baby down.
This book is dark and will totally fuck with your psyche. Even after finishing it, I still am not quite sure if I have all my facts straight. And the reason for all of this is Jack...
His remarkable storytelling and quick mind will have you spinning.
Or is it??? The lies start intersecting with the truth, and you never know what will come out next.
The guy has his share of issues...
He sure acts insane. His short temper and devious acts will make your heart pound and have your anxiety levels in overdrive. But what's underneath all the impulsive decisions? What had happened to Jack to make him the way he is?
Jack has had a pretty rough life .
Kate was a really strong chick. The predicaments that she was put into would probably break most, but she kept on fighting. Her tenacity was truly commendable.
Even though there were mysteries to be solved, it took a backseat to the psychological shit that Kate was experiencing. The last 10-15% of the book is where pieces start to come together and you find out what's been going on.
At the end I was shocked...
A little sad...
And then confused...
Although things were wrapped up, other things that were mentioned previous to the revelations, made me question what really was going on.
I am grateful that I did not read this on my own, as I had Michelle with me on the ride. However, the fact that we were both confused about the same things, only added to the madness! This was a true mindfuck read, and even though I feel as though my IQ has dropped just by reading this, I have no regrets! I still am not sure what was truth and what was lies.
I apologize about the roughness of this review, but I also feel it reflects how I feel after reading this. I am all over the place. Gah!
So yes, in the end I would recommend you go on this crazy journey. Due to all the doubts and confusion and something that occurred at the end, I docked a half a star. This thing being...
High praise to Barbara Elsborg for writing such a twisted story. This was my second book that I've read of hers, and after both of them being such awesome reads, I'm going to have to check out more from her.
October 23, 2013
Five *Epic MF* Stars!!!
Holy Shit!!! What did I just read!!! Im gonna be very vague in this review..its gonna be tough reviewing this without spoiling it!!
Let me start by saying..This is not a fairytale..no sunny skies and rainbows here..just one thunderstorm after another that left me on the edge of my seat the entire time!!!
Chosen starts off with 20yr Kate getting kidnapped by Jack or as I like to call him..
..from there its just one fast pace Mindfuck!!!
Kate..OMG what can I say about her..I loved her character..she was a fighter..the stuff she had to endure was both heartbreaking and cruel.but she did what she had to do to survive!!
Jack..Oh Lawrd!! This character was probably one of the few that Ive come across that I absolutely loathe..He was one psychotic..sick bastard!!!
There were so many twist and turns..that I lost count..at times I thought..Haha..
and have this shit figured out..and then..BAM..I would get hit with a wicked curved ball!!
Every time that would happen I swear I could here Mrs Elsborg in my head saying...
Overall...This story was twisted..sick..raw..and so well written that Im in awe!!!I Highly..Highly recommend this book!!Bravo Mrs Elsborg!!!
Holy Shit!!! What did I just read!!! Im gonna be very vague in this review..its gonna be tough reviewing this without spoiling it!!
Let me start by saying..This is not a fairytale..no sunny skies and rainbows here..just one thunderstorm after another that left me on the edge of my seat the entire time!!!
Chosen starts off with 20yr Kate getting kidnapped by Jack or as I like to call him..
..from there its just one fast pace Mindfuck!!!
Kate..OMG what can I say about her..I loved her character..she was a fighter..the stuff she had to endure was both heartbreaking and cruel.but she did what she had to do to survive!!
Jack..Oh Lawrd!! This character was probably one of the few that Ive come across that I absolutely loathe..He was one psychotic..sick bastard!!!
There were so many twist and turns..that I lost count..at times I thought..Haha..
and have this shit figured out..and then..BAM..I would get hit with a wicked curved ball!!
Every time that would happen I swear I could here Mrs Elsborg in my head saying...
Overall...This story was twisted..sick..raw..and so well written that Im in awe!!!I Highly..Highly recommend this book!!Bravo Mrs Elsborg!!!
October 30, 2013
***** 5 Crazy Bizarre Stars *****
When a book makes me stay up late to finish it on a work night – then it’s a winner!! I have read a few of Barbara Elsborg’s books and NEVER expected a book like this. This book had me on the edge of my seat trying to anticipate what was going to happen next. There never was a moment where I started to skim through the paragraph because of fluffy descriptions.
As I think about Kate (the heroine) there are 2 sayings that keep popping in my head:
“She takes a licking, but keeps on ticking” and “She keeps Going, and going, and going like the energizer bunny.”
Kate was my fucking hero in this book – a sweet quiet girl who blends into the background because she doesn’t want to be noticed for her good looks. She was raped at 16 years old and just wants to be safe and undetected. That was all going to change with one knock on her door and a bouquet of flowers shoved in her face and viola…..we meet Jack!
Who the hell is Jack?? That’s what Kate wants to know too – the only thing she does know is that Jack just proposed to her and kidnaps her on a journey to Vegas to get hitched.
What Kate doesn’t know yet is that Jack is her worst nightmare!! As they travel to Vegas she learns Jack isn’t the “hopeless romantic” that proposed to her earlier, instead she is traveling with a homicidal psychopath. Kate continually tries to escape with the key word being “tries” and each time she fails, she gets tortured worse and worse. You would think Kate would learn to just let it go and give in to this psychotic asshole, but she doesn’t. Instead she gets cut, punched, bit and also others killed because of her need to escape.
Others are drawn into Jack's demented mind and Kate has to try to keep everyone safe including keeping herself alive.
While, in Texas Kate's neighbor gets the police involved trying to solve where the hell Kate went.....and then we have Nathan, Jack's half-brother, who has a vendetta against Jack and is searching for him. Just wait until Nathan gets involved and find out why he hates Jack so much!
It's the twists and turns in this book that really get you and when you think that you finally figured out who did it or who is who.....it then turns another way making your guesses even crazier!!
This is such a great book if you are looking for a psychological thriller that really messes with your mind!!
When a book makes me stay up late to finish it on a work night – then it’s a winner!! I have read a few of Barbara Elsborg’s books and NEVER expected a book like this. This book had me on the edge of my seat trying to anticipate what was going to happen next. There never was a moment where I started to skim through the paragraph because of fluffy descriptions.
As I think about Kate (the heroine) there are 2 sayings that keep popping in my head:
“She takes a licking, but keeps on ticking” and “She keeps Going, and going, and going like the energizer bunny.”
Kate was my fucking hero in this book – a sweet quiet girl who blends into the background because she doesn’t want to be noticed for her good looks. She was raped at 16 years old and just wants to be safe and undetected. That was all going to change with one knock on her door and a bouquet of flowers shoved in her face and viola…..we meet Jack!
Who the hell is Jack?? That’s what Kate wants to know too – the only thing she does know is that Jack just proposed to her and kidnaps her on a journey to Vegas to get hitched.
What Kate doesn’t know yet is that Jack is her worst nightmare!! As they travel to Vegas she learns Jack isn’t the “hopeless romantic” that proposed to her earlier, instead she is traveling with a homicidal psychopath. Kate continually tries to escape with the key word being “tries” and each time she fails, she gets tortured worse and worse. You would think Kate would learn to just let it go and give in to this psychotic asshole, but she doesn’t. Instead she gets cut, punched, bit and also others killed because of her need to escape.
Others are drawn into Jack's demented mind and Kate has to try to keep everyone safe including keeping herself alive.
While, in Texas Kate's neighbor gets the police involved trying to solve where the hell Kate went.....and then we have Nathan, Jack's half-brother, who has a vendetta against Jack and is searching for him. Just wait until Nathan gets involved and find out why he hates Jack so much!
It's the twists and turns in this book that really get you and when you think that you finally figured out who did it or who is who.....it then turns another way making your guesses even crazier!!
This is such a great book if you are looking for a psychological thriller that really messes with your mind!!
August 8, 2011
5 THRILLING STARS!! RIVETING!! If you like looking into the mind of a psychotic, manipulating, lying, tormenting, knife-wielding villain…than this is the book for you. I damn near snapped my Kindle in half, because I wanted to kill Jack myself! He is evil personified behind a charming personality, a pretty face and he’s gunnin’ for Kate. That in itself is a mystery and when it is revealed it will have you gasping for a breath. It did me. Nathan is brought into the mix by association, when he goes looking for answers about his past.
This book is so well written, that the author draws you into the minds of these characters. You feel Jack’s rejection and hate, Kate’s pain and strength, and Nathan’s hurt and confusion. When I didn’t think it could get any worse, it did. The circumstances and pasts of these characters are exposed little by little, and makes for some nail-biting moments. I wanted to hurry the story along, because I needed someone to come and be Kate’s savior. When Nathan does appear, he’s not quite sure what’s real and what isn’t, because Jack is the master manipulator. So, will Nathan save Kate, or will Kate save Nathan? You’ll find the answers in this suspenseful read.
My only issue, and it’s slight, as stated in other reviews was Kate’s quick recovery from her ordeal. I feel that she was so desperate for love and acceptance that she chose to move ahead and not look back. Yep…that’s the way I see it and it retracts nothing from my 5 star rating. This author has a way of surprising you at every turn, very little was predictable, and at the end I still wasn’t quite sure if I had found out the truth about everything.
This read is brutal and not for the weak. It is not a romantic suspense, but more of a thriller with a smidge of romance, and I LOVED it!
Barbara Elsborg ROCKS!!
This book is so well written, that the author draws you into the minds of these characters. You feel Jack’s rejection and hate, Kate’s pain and strength, and Nathan’s hurt and confusion. When I didn’t think it could get any worse, it did. The circumstances and pasts of these characters are exposed little by little, and makes for some nail-biting moments. I wanted to hurry the story along, because I needed someone to come and be Kate’s savior. When Nathan does appear, he’s not quite sure what’s real and what isn’t, because Jack is the master manipulator. So, will Nathan save Kate, or will Kate save Nathan? You’ll find the answers in this suspenseful read.
My only issue, and it’s slight, as stated in other reviews was Kate’s quick recovery from her ordeal. I feel that she was so desperate for love and acceptance that she chose to move ahead and not look back. Yep…that’s the way I see it and it retracts nothing from my 5 star rating. This author has a way of surprising you at every turn, very little was predictable, and at the end I still wasn’t quite sure if I had found out the truth about everything.
This read is brutal and not for the weak. It is not a romantic suspense, but more of a thriller with a smidge of romance, and I LOVED it!
Barbara Elsborg ROCKS!!
September 6, 2016
*****5 I Choose You...Stars*****
Kate…
First, I absolutely loved her. She is a rockstar, she fought, she bleed, she persevered.
This is all against her nature. Since her rape 4 years ago, she has a led a safe and reclusive life style.
Jack…
Oh Jackie boy…you made me hate you, cuss you, want to jump into book land and kill you, and finally made me feel sorry for you.
Jack has spent years in and out of mental health facilities, and from the being you can see his is unstable.
When Jack Thompson shows up on Kate’s door steps with flowers and marriage proposal everything changes.
"...You’re about to have the biggest adventure of your life. Don’t waste it waiting on for a knight to rescue you…"
Jack kidnaps Kate, drags her across the country…
Kidding…maybe…
I don’t want to share too much, I will say.
This book is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
It will keep you guessing from chapter one, until the very end. We are introduced to many characters, and the whole time I was trying to piece together where everyone fit and separate the truth from lies.
Kate…
First, I absolutely loved her. She is a rockstar, she fought, she bleed, she persevered.
This is all against her nature. Since her rape 4 years ago, she has a led a safe and reclusive life style.
Jack…
Oh Jackie boy…you made me hate you, cuss you, want to jump into book land and kill you, and finally made me feel sorry for you.
Jack has spent years in and out of mental health facilities, and from the being you can see his is unstable.
When Jack Thompson shows up on Kate’s door steps with flowers and marriage proposal everything changes.
"...You’re about to have the biggest adventure of your life. Don’t waste it waiting on for a knight to rescue you…"
Jack kidnaps Kate, drags her across the country…
Kidding…maybe…
I don’t want to share too much, I will say.
This book is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
It will keep you guessing from chapter one, until the very end. We are introduced to many characters, and the whole time I was trying to piece together where everyone fit and separate the truth from lies.
July 29, 2012
This is not a romance by definition, though it isn't without love lost and won. The monster in this thriller is the scariest kind. He's charming, good-looking, shrewd, and broken. His victim, Kate, wrangled my admiration from the first page. Her courage, her perseverance, was boggling, but believable in her reactions. I was constantly asking myself, "Could I do that? Would I be brave enough?" I'm so glad she wasn't the whimpering pitiful thing many of us would be in her situation. But at the same time, you knew she was just barely hanging on. The complexity of the story, the way Elsborg wove the back stories of the characters, and the intelligent execution of suspense and horror showcases her versatility as a writer. She leaves you guessing throughout, a crumb here, a nugget there, and just when you're snapping your fingers, she twists it again. This is a must read for thriller fans.
December 14, 2014
4.5 OMFG STARS
"I think you're playing a game," he whispered. "Be careful. I'm better than you and my game is nowhere near over."
I really like Barbara Elsborg. I have really liked anything that I've read of hers. I went in blind on this one. I thought I was getting one of her sexy, romantic, thrilling stories but uh huh...I was in for a surprise!
What a mind blowing, edge of your seat, heart aching, jaw clenching read this was.
Kate Evans is a truly amazing, strong character that I was rooting for from the get go. Without giving anything away, this girl has been through hell and is about to face even more unspeakable evil. And evil comes in the name of Jack Thompson, a seriously unstable psychopath that is obsessed with Kate as she is the key to his truth. To say Jack was brilliantly diabolical would be an understatement. He scared me.I hated him and wanted to end him...
...yet, I felt sorry for the little boy that got seriously fucked up.
Throughout this all, I marvelled at the lengths that a person will go to destroy another; to be so hell bent on breaking down another’s mind and body. Yet, on the complete opposite end, you have a victim (I don't like to use that word because some then think weak...I am not implying that at all) with this unrelenting strength to fight and keep fighting when it would be so much easier to just give up.
"When she steeled herself to cross one bridge, he erected another."
"He'd left his marks all over her body, and her mind."
This was a fantastic book with lots of twists and turns, and a dense web of lies and secrets that it was really hard to find the truth. If you are looking for a true thriller, you have to read this!
"I think you're playing a game," he whispered. "Be careful. I'm better than you and my game is nowhere near over."
I really like Barbara Elsborg. I have really liked anything that I've read of hers. I went in blind on this one. I thought I was getting one of her sexy, romantic, thrilling stories but uh huh...I was in for a surprise!
What a mind blowing, edge of your seat, heart aching, jaw clenching read this was.
Kate Evans is a truly amazing, strong character that I was rooting for from the get go. Without giving anything away, this girl has been through hell and is about to face even more unspeakable evil. And evil comes in the name of Jack Thompson, a seriously unstable psychopath that is obsessed with Kate as she is the key to his truth. To say Jack was brilliantly diabolical would be an understatement. He scared me.I hated him and wanted to end him...
...yet, I felt sorry for the little boy that got seriously fucked up.
Throughout this all, I marvelled at the lengths that a person will go to destroy another; to be so hell bent on breaking down another’s mind and body. Yet, on the complete opposite end, you have a victim (I don't like to use that word because some then think weak...I am not implying that at all) with this unrelenting strength to fight and keep fighting when it would be so much easier to just give up.
"When she steeled herself to cross one bridge, he erected another."
"He'd left his marks all over her body, and her mind."
This was a fantastic book with lots of twists and turns, and a dense web of lies and secrets that it was really hard to find the truth. If you are looking for a true thriller, you have to read this!
May 22, 2013
Wow this is the kind of Dark and Disturbing that I like! No questions on the star rating so I’ll just move on.
Kate tries to make all the right choices. She travels in crowds and dresses more to blend than to be noticed. When Jack Thompson bursts through her door and into her life things go VERY south for her. Their lives intersect with Nathan, a Private Investigator obsessed with trying to catch Jack doing something wrong and sparks are going to fly! Literally…haha
I love a strong heroine in my Dark and Disturbing reads and boy is Kate a fighter! This book was a very addictive read and I’m so glad I had a slow day at the 60% mark and got to gobble it up. Only problem is its over and now what do I do??? Jack is a master at manipulating people but he really has his hands full trying to make Kate into a cute little submissive. Boy he pulls all the right strings but Kate refuses to give up. It took you right to the edge of your seat and then kicked the legs out! The one thing I noticed about the Dark and Disturbing is that I get more Dark and Disturbing than my fictional characters. I spend wayyy too much time trying to figure out the appropriate punishment and all kinds of sick and twisted things go through my head. And this one really had me twisted with the things I wished would have happened to Jack! I could probably write a short twisted novella on the pain I’d like to see that PRICK go through!
If you haven’t read this and like addictive reads check it out. Its not an intricate plot line but there is enough there that keeps you thinking about what went on, what is going on, and what the hell is going to happen!!! Oh and another bonus its NOT a series! Not many single story books out there like this one.
Kate tries to make all the right choices. She travels in crowds and dresses more to blend than to be noticed. When Jack Thompson bursts through her door and into her life things go VERY south for her. Their lives intersect with Nathan, a Private Investigator obsessed with trying to catch Jack doing something wrong and sparks are going to fly! Literally…haha
I love a strong heroine in my Dark and Disturbing reads and boy is Kate a fighter! This book was a very addictive read and I’m so glad I had a slow day at the 60% mark and got to gobble it up. Only problem is its over and now what do I do??? Jack is a master at manipulating people but he really has his hands full trying to make Kate into a cute little submissive. Boy he pulls all the right strings but Kate refuses to give up. It took you right to the edge of your seat and then kicked the legs out! The one thing I noticed about the Dark and Disturbing is that I get more Dark and Disturbing than my fictional characters. I spend wayyy too much time trying to figure out the appropriate punishment and all kinds of sick and twisted things go through my head. And this one really had me twisted with the things I wished would have happened to Jack! I could probably write a short twisted novella on the pain I’d like to see that PRICK go through!
If you haven’t read this and like addictive reads check it out. Its not an intricate plot line but there is enough there that keeps you thinking about what went on, what is going on, and what the hell is going to happen!!! Oh and another bonus its NOT a series! Not many single story books out there like this one.
July 7, 2013
4.5 stars
I just... I have no words.
It's hard to review this without spoiling all the messed up amazing-ness that makes up this story.
It starts off with a "bang" . Kate is already living a half life - trying to make sure history doesn't repeat itself when her worst nightmare shows up on her doorstep.
What happens from there is a brilliantly twisted tale full of lies and secrets and hidden agendas. The only one who isn't holding any pieces of the truth is Kate. Most of the story is told from Kate's prospective, so you piece together this tale with her. Every time I thought things couldn't get worse - that things couldn't be more twisted, I was wrong. There were so many lies, half-truths, and hidden truths. I created and discarded dozens of explanations. Not one of them ended up being right. I was surprised right to the bitter end.
I adored Kate. She was a fighter. She never gave up, never gave in, no matter what was done to her, no matter how hopeless it seemed. The things she endured, both before during and after being taken by Jack - I cannot imagine how she survived with her sanity in tacked.
None of the characters seemed to be working with a full sleeve of crackers, though certainly some were missing more than others. I read a book a while back The Sociopath Next Door and I found myself wanting to go back and refer to it.
Overall, it was a brilliantly written, layered story that keep me in the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
April 14, 2013
What a hell of a ride this was. First of all it is not a love story. It's a disturbing story about Kate who is kidnapped by Jack a psychotic cruel rapist. Jack wants to create the perfect family. The story kept me captivated but on edge from start to finish. There are so many twists and turns I didn't know what to believe. I did feel very uncomfortable about introducing the child into the story. This a fast paced story..loved it!!
November 29, 2022
So Freaking Good!
Fans of Barbara Elsborg's dark, intense, edge-of-your-seat suspense novels: read this NOW!
Fans of Barbara Elsborg's sweet, tender romances beware: this might not be the book for you.
I adore the way Ms. Elsborg crafts a story. Right from the very first word, she starts setting the stage. The characters, the atmosphere, the tension. Aaaaaaargh, it's amazing!
Fans of Barbara Elsborg's dark, intense, edge-of-your-seat suspense novels: read this NOW!
Fans of Barbara Elsborg's sweet, tender romances beware: this might not be the book for you.
I adore the way Ms. Elsborg crafts a story. Right from the very first word, she starts setting the stage. The characters, the atmosphere, the tension. Aaaaaaargh, it's amazing!
July 12, 2015
4 Crazy Stars!!
First off I want everyone to know that this wasn't a romance story! Hell No!
The book grabs you by the balls in the first chapter. Clear your schedule before you start reading this! You will not want to put it down! You have been warned! lol
Kate is a woman that goes through life trying not to bring any attention to herself. She wears baggy clothes and walks with her head down. She has no friends except for the old lady that lives in her building. Both of her parents are deceased. So imagine her surprise when her door bell rings and there's a man delivering her flowers from a secret admirer. Yes people! She opens the door to this man and he crashes into her and asks her to marry him! Jeez!!! What a nut Jack was!
Jack was a fucking nut!! His screws weren't loose! He didn't have any! They all had fell out! NUT! NUT! NUTTY!!
Jack wants the fairy tale family. Wife and kids. So of course he has chosen Kate to be his lovely wife.
Jacks been in and out of mental facilities since the death of his mother when he was a kid. He was a regular good looking guy and very manipulative. He told so many stories I didn't know what to believe. I was fucking dizzy from this shit! He was an evil man! I wanted to jump in my kindle numerous times and kill him with my hands!
Kate was strong and brave! I couldn't believe how this girl kept on trying and trying to get away.
Nathan the PI and half brother of Jack. Nathan's been watching Jack since his release from a mental facility. Nathan hates Jack! Jack slept with Nathan's fiance. Nathan can't get over what Jack did and is obsessed with trying to figure out why it happened. Nathan gets tangled up in this mess with Kate and Jack. He's as dizzy as I was trying to figure out what to believe.
Don is Jacks father. Don has done everything to help Jack. Gave him money. Tried to get him help. Has Don really helped his son or made things worse??
Does Kate finally get away from Jack?
Who saves the day? You will have to read this bitch to find out! lol
Why not 5 stars! The last 10% of the book is what made me drop a star! Something happened and it was too damn fast for me to believe. lol Once again you will have to read to find out! I hope you do! If you're like me and you love to jump on that crazy roller coaster ride then you better get to reading this one!
First off I want everyone to know that this wasn't a romance story! Hell No!
The book grabs you by the balls in the first chapter. Clear your schedule before you start reading this! You will not want to put it down! You have been warned! lol
Kate is a woman that goes through life trying not to bring any attention to herself. She wears baggy clothes and walks with her head down. She has no friends except for the old lady that lives in her building. Both of her parents are deceased. So imagine her surprise when her door bell rings and there's a man delivering her flowers from a secret admirer. Yes people! She opens the door to this man and he crashes into her and asks her to marry him! Jeez!!! What a nut Jack was!
Jack was a fucking nut!! His screws weren't loose! He didn't have any! They all had fell out! NUT! NUT! NUTTY!!
Jack wants the fairy tale family. Wife and kids. So of course he has chosen Kate to be his lovely wife.
Jacks been in and out of mental facilities since the death of his mother when he was a kid. He was a regular good looking guy and very manipulative. He told so many stories I didn't know what to believe. I was fucking dizzy from this shit! He was an evil man! I wanted to jump in my kindle numerous times and kill him with my hands!
Kate was strong and brave! I couldn't believe how this girl kept on trying and trying to get away.
Nathan the PI and half brother of Jack. Nathan's been watching Jack since his release from a mental facility. Nathan hates Jack! Jack slept with Nathan's fiance. Nathan can't get over what Jack did and is obsessed with trying to figure out why it happened. Nathan gets tangled up in this mess with Kate and Jack. He's as dizzy as I was trying to figure out what to believe.
Don is Jacks father. Don has done everything to help Jack. Gave him money. Tried to get him help. Has Don really helped his son or made things worse??
Does Kate finally get away from Jack?
Who saves the day? You will have to read this bitch to find out! lol
Why not 5 stars! The last 10% of the book is what made me drop a star! Something happened and it was too damn fast for me to believe. lol Once again you will have to read to find out! I hope you do! If you're like me and you love to jump on that crazy roller coaster ride then you better get to reading this one!
December 8, 2015
This had moments where it might have been a 5 star read but the thing that really held it back was the romance. It was 100% unbelievable. Not only was it unbelievable it was pretty cringeworthy. I was cringing for the characters but also for the author for throwing it in. So the book is about a woman who gets kidnapped and taken across country being beaten and raped the whole way. That part was riveting. The heroine tried and tried to escape but the bad guy was just so good at being bad. I liked watching the cops etc., start to work behind them, finding clues and starting to figure things out. I was even okay with the hero being on their trail. He didn't know the heroine though. So when they do meet after at least 75% of the book it was just unrealistic that they would hook up, especially sexually. This woman had just been raped and beat for 3 weeks or so. I don't thing she would or even could have been hopping into bed with a stranger. And he wasn't the most effective hero in other ways either.
So the insane nailbiting suspense part of the story gets a high 4 stars and the romance gets 1 star. I rounded to 3.
So the insane nailbiting suspense part of the story gets a high 4 stars and the romance gets 1 star. I rounded to 3.
December 21, 2011
Oh hi! Have you met Mr.Hyde?
Mr Hide is the perfect author of erotic romances. This author develops such strong plots-between bouts of sex,mind you-you do not even notice if it was kinky or do not care if you are not a fan. This author rocks my world. This author made me cry and laugh and read and read and read every single word that ever flew from his nibble fingers and fast mind.
But now I meet Dr.Jekyll.
This person writes dark dangerous mysteries that leave me breathless for more. This person has the same spunk and imagination as Mr.Hide but erotica and fun are very far from this persons mind.
I am shocked, truly shocked that Chosen is a product of Barbara Elsborg. I have loved her from the first book that came in to my hands. I have been intrigued by her darker works, more cynical and frightening works like Strangers, Kiss a fallen star and Doing the right thing. Still, let us be real, this was a very big step to the side when yo consider her usual things. On the other hand, I would have found B. Elsborg in this book without even reading her name from the front cover. The persona and script evolution, as well as word play struck a chord in my heart that is forever connected to the special place that this author has in me. There is only one such master,surely...But when first I was told that Chosen was something new, the horrible truth was- I was kind of prepared to find it mediocre or dull. Nevertheless I am an avid reader of all genres and sat down to give it a try.
Oh ye of little faith.
I feel so ashamed for my doubts.
Chosen is a gem among lesser known books. It is a gripping thriller mystery worth every one of it's five star reviews, mine included.
First of all, the whodunit was very Gothic and chilly but it never back-seated the current horror ride. It left you panting for more, but it did not make you skip pages in order to find it. Miss a sentence and you missed a peace of the ultimate thrill. Not that there was a time in my life that I have devoured 300+ pages faster.
Secondly, there were multiple person views. Rarely have I found a book with more that two voice a rush. Perfectly good ideas like the one behind 'Dearly departed' get sucked and butchered trough the blade of multiple person voice changes. The author seems to conquer a grate problem-choppiness. She makes the transitions so subtle, you never feel ripped out of the story only to be put in an other place. The action flows undisturbed and even minor and one time voices like that of security guard Thad have a deep purpose.
The main voices make you want to feel, and be them, even when they go trough unmistakable horrors. I caught myself muttering run, run over and over again when the scene with Charlie unraveled before Kate's eyes. This was a braking point for me. Then ad there I realized that I LOVED this book. I LIKED it up to that point but then I LOVED it.
Just a second.
Stop!
Before I move forward with my character development talk, let me make one footnote.
You my think of me as horrible. You my point your puritan little fingers…But I was blown away by the first rape scene.
It reminded me of the horribly grand rape scene from Stand by Stephen King. If you read the scene where the devil rapes the woman he wants to impregnate then you know what I am talking about.
The first rape scene in Chosen reached the heights of THAT glory. It was fantastically gruesome without being gauche . It was a peace of lethargic poetry in itself.
I still feel the need to brake in to applause just recalling it.
Now to get back to the previous…let me just say one word…
Jack.
He did not have as much 'in his mind' time as Kate, but Lord, oh Lord, did he stand out!
The ultimate villain?
Yes…and no.
The ultimate byproduct of abuse and repugnance?
Maybe.
As pathological liar, rapist and sometimes killer you are bound to hate him, are you not?
No.
And that shows the depth of character development, the mastermind author and the brilliance of her new bag of tricks.
You ask me why to read this book?
Because of the crazy chase to save Kate?
Because of the hunger for the revelation of past crimes?
Because of the sweetness that makes you sight when you read the epilogue?
No. Because I dare you to not cry when
I dare you to read it in order to meet Jack and be stunned. I dare you to make the effort for Kate whose spirit you will admire and I dare you to not have the need to meet and cuddle Nathan.
But most of all I urge everybody to pick this book up. Be you a Patricia Cornwell or Jami Alden lover…maybe even a 'Pretty when she cries' fan, I guaranty you, you will love this book.
I have read and read. I review, I talk, I analyze, I obsess. I have been labeled a person that knows nothing of higher then 4 star ratings. I have been pointed at as somebody who critiques, chews and spits out widely loved books….Chosen beat me with one well placed punch. I am happy to declare defeat before a mighty work, before a true treasure. And I am pleased to give thanks to the woman that made it all possible- Barbara Elsborg. A one of a kind author , with a vision. But more than that an author that not only stepped out of the box, but conquered the world outside it.
Touché, madam.
Mr Hide is the perfect author of erotic romances. This author develops such strong plots-between bouts of sex,mind you-you do not even notice if it was kinky or do not care if you are not a fan. This author rocks my world. This author made me cry and laugh and read and read and read every single word that ever flew from his nibble fingers and fast mind.
But now I meet Dr.Jekyll.
This person writes dark dangerous mysteries that leave me breathless for more. This person has the same spunk and imagination as Mr.Hide but erotica and fun are very far from this persons mind.
I am shocked, truly shocked that Chosen is a product of Barbara Elsborg. I have loved her from the first book that came in to my hands. I have been intrigued by her darker works, more cynical and frightening works like Strangers, Kiss a fallen star and Doing the right thing. Still, let us be real, this was a very big step to the side when yo consider her usual things. On the other hand, I would have found B. Elsborg in this book without even reading her name from the front cover. The persona and script evolution, as well as word play struck a chord in my heart that is forever connected to the special place that this author has in me. There is only one such master,surely...But when first I was told that Chosen was something new, the horrible truth was- I was kind of prepared to find it mediocre or dull. Nevertheless I am an avid reader of all genres and sat down to give it a try.
Oh ye of little faith.
I feel so ashamed for my doubts.
Chosen is a gem among lesser known books. It is a gripping thriller mystery worth every one of it's five star reviews, mine included.
First of all, the whodunit was very Gothic and chilly but it never back-seated the current horror ride. It left you panting for more, but it did not make you skip pages in order to find it. Miss a sentence and you missed a peace of the ultimate thrill. Not that there was a time in my life that I have devoured 300+ pages faster.
Secondly, there were multiple person views. Rarely have I found a book with more that two voice a rush. Perfectly good ideas like the one behind 'Dearly departed' get sucked and butchered trough the blade of multiple person voice changes. The author seems to conquer a grate problem-choppiness. She makes the transitions so subtle, you never feel ripped out of the story only to be put in an other place. The action flows undisturbed and even minor and one time voices like that of security guard Thad have a deep purpose.
The main voices make you want to feel, and be them, even when they go trough unmistakable horrors. I caught myself muttering run, run over and over again when the scene with Charlie unraveled before Kate's eyes. This was a braking point for me. Then ad there I realized that I LOVED this book. I LIKED it up to that point but then I LOVED it.
Just a second.
Stop!
Before I move forward with my character development talk, let me make one footnote.
You my think of me as horrible. You my point your puritan little fingers…But I was blown away by the first rape scene.
It reminded me of the horribly grand rape scene from Stand by Stephen King. If you read the scene where the devil rapes the woman he wants to impregnate then you know what I am talking about.
The first rape scene in Chosen reached the heights of THAT glory. It was fantastically gruesome without being gauche . It was a peace of lethargic poetry in itself.
I still feel the need to brake in to applause just recalling it.
Now to get back to the previous…let me just say one word…
Jack.
He did not have as much 'in his mind' time as Kate, but Lord, oh Lord, did he stand out!
The ultimate villain?
Yes…and no.
The ultimate byproduct of abuse and repugnance?
Maybe.
As pathological liar, rapist and sometimes killer you are bound to hate him, are you not?
No.
And that shows the depth of character development, the mastermind author and the brilliance of her new bag of tricks.
You ask me why to read this book?
Because of the crazy chase to save Kate?
Because of the hunger for the revelation of past crimes?
Because of the sweetness that makes you sight when you read the epilogue?
No. Because I dare you to not cry when
I dare you to read it in order to meet Jack and be stunned. I dare you to make the effort for Kate whose spirit you will admire and I dare you to not have the need to meet and cuddle Nathan.
But most of all I urge everybody to pick this book up. Be you a Patricia Cornwell or Jami Alden lover…maybe even a 'Pretty when she cries' fan, I guaranty you, you will love this book.
I have read and read. I review, I talk, I analyze, I obsess. I have been labeled a person that knows nothing of higher then 4 star ratings. I have been pointed at as somebody who critiques, chews and spits out widely loved books….Chosen beat me with one well placed punch. I am happy to declare defeat before a mighty work, before a true treasure. And I am pleased to give thanks to the woman that made it all possible- Barbara Elsborg. A one of a kind author , with a vision. But more than that an author that not only stepped out of the box, but conquered the world outside it.
Touché, madam.
November 14, 2013
5 Twisted and Tortured Stars
Holy Mind Fuck! Holy Hell! Holy W.T.F?
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Let's take a gander into the enigma that is Chosen...
Kate is a single 20 year old woman living on her own, in her own safe and secure world. Or so she thought. She has no family, no close friends, no boyfriend. She is the ideal introvert and the ideal victim.
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
She so badly wants someone to notice her and like her, or love her. But sometimes the things you want and wish for come true....
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Sometimes, those things you wish for are bad.
Jack is a sick, demented, "missing all of his screws" whack job. Grade A certifiable.
Jack has watched Kate from afar for long enough. She will be his. She will be his pawn to play when the time is right. She is his obsession.
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Enter Nathan.
He is Jacks half brother from the same mother. He is obsessed with Jack, and hates him with such a passion.
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Nathan wants to know what Jack is up to every hour of everyday. He has watched him and kept tabs on him for as long as he has known about him. But, Jack falls off the radar, and Nathan is on the hunt. What will he find.....?
I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen next and always on the edge of my seat. Kate has balls. I will give her that. Attempt after attempt after attemp. Fail. Fail. Fail.
Jack, he was a sadistic bastard. He knew just how to keep Kate in the game. He played her so well.
I nearly died several times throughout reading this book. No joke. I think my heart stopped on several occassions.
GO get this book and read it! You won't be diappointed. If you like the mind fuckery, you will enjoy this book.
Holy Mind Fuck! Holy Hell! Holy W.T.F?
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Let's take a gander into the enigma that is Chosen...
Kate is a single 20 year old woman living on her own, in her own safe and secure world. Or so she thought. She has no family, no close friends, no boyfriend. She is the ideal introvert and the ideal victim.
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
She so badly wants someone to notice her and like her, or love her. But sometimes the things you want and wish for come true....
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Sometimes, those things you wish for are bad.
Jack is a sick, demented, "missing all of his screws" whack job. Grade A certifiable.
Jack has watched Kate from afar for long enough. She will be his. She will be his pawn to play when the time is right. She is his obsession.
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Enter Nathan.
He is Jacks half brother from the same mother. He is obsessed with Jack, and hates him with such a passion.
Uploaded with ImageShack.com
Nathan wants to know what Jack is up to every hour of everyday. He has watched him and kept tabs on him for as long as he has known about him. But, Jack falls off the radar, and Nathan is on the hunt. What will he find.....?
I was constantly trying to guess what was going to happen next and always on the edge of my seat. Kate has balls. I will give her that. Attempt after attempt after attemp. Fail. Fail. Fail.
Jack, he was a sadistic bastard. He knew just how to keep Kate in the game. He played her so well.
I nearly died several times throughout reading this book. No joke. I think my heart stopped on several occassions.
GO get this book and read it! You won't be diappointed. If you like the mind fuckery, you will enjoy this book.
Read
March 8, 2012I can’t rate this book. I have been sitting on this review for a month and still don’t know what to do with it, so this might not be too helpful.
I could give it 5 Stars because I couldn’t put it down, but I hated the way it made me feel. I could give it 1 Star because it disturbed me so and gave me all kinds of “icks”, but I was obsessed with it.
So hear are my thoughts, my rant or my explanation for my complete indecision.
It was an intense, gripping story. It gave me the same feeling as the Silence of the Lambs movie; uneasiness and fascination. It was awesome and I hated it, it will stick with me and I want to forget it. I never really felt good reading it, but again, I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a day and stayed up until 2am doing it, which is rare for me.
It was definitely not what I expected, more creepy thriller than romance. I chose this book because it intrigued me, but I don’t know if I ever want to read something like it again. It was so violent with so many horrible things happening throughout the first three quarters, I wanted to stop reading, but my obsession took over. I have to say the writing was fabulous, but thriller/suspense is not really for me.
There is a lot of violence, so don’t read if you aren’t into it…REALLY!! Soon as I see that in somebody’s review I am intrigued and pick it up right away because I love to experience something taboo or out of my comfort zone.
It starts out with a vicious assault and abduction and there are so many plot twists. All the families were screwed up with incest, rape, infidelity, mommy complexes, abandonment…on an on.
The characters: I am going to start with the villain Jack; sick, demented, unstable, beyond abusive and cruel. I couldn’t follow all of his lies at times and I was confused with a few things even in the end. I felt pure hatred for him. I felt helpless for the heroine. I just couldn’t see how this could turn out and make me feel any semblance of HEA. It didn’t achieve it. There was a little romance that I couldn’t really buy into after all the sick, psycho, crazy shit that happened, but I know the author was trying to give HEA. A good epilogue though, but I couldn’t understand how all these people just moved on.
This might be what you feel like after a Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock book-- it sticks in your mind and creeps you out. After reading it I would recommend your next read to be about butterflies, rainbows, puppies and sweet kisses. I know mine was.
I could give it 5 Stars because I couldn’t put it down, but I hated the way it made me feel. I could give it 1 Star because it disturbed me so and gave me all kinds of “icks”, but I was obsessed with it.
So hear are my thoughts, my rant or my explanation for my complete indecision.
It was an intense, gripping story. It gave me the same feeling as the Silence of the Lambs movie; uneasiness and fascination. It was awesome and I hated it, it will stick with me and I want to forget it. I never really felt good reading it, but again, I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in a day and stayed up until 2am doing it, which is rare for me.
It was definitely not what I expected, more creepy thriller than romance. I chose this book because it intrigued me, but I don’t know if I ever want to read something like it again. It was so violent with so many horrible things happening throughout the first three quarters, I wanted to stop reading, but my obsession took over. I have to say the writing was fabulous, but thriller/suspense is not really for me.
There is a lot of violence, so don’t read if you aren’t into it…REALLY!! Soon as I see that in somebody’s review I am intrigued and pick it up right away because I love to experience something taboo or out of my comfort zone.
It starts out with a vicious assault and abduction and there are so many plot twists. All the families were screwed up with incest, rape, infidelity, mommy complexes, abandonment…on an on.
The characters: I am going to start with the villain Jack; sick, demented, unstable, beyond abusive and cruel. I couldn’t follow all of his lies at times and I was confused with a few things even in the end. I felt pure hatred for him. I felt helpless for the heroine. I just couldn’t see how this could turn out and make me feel any semblance of HEA. It didn’t achieve it. There was a little romance that I couldn’t really buy into after all the sick, psycho, crazy shit that happened, but I know the author was trying to give HEA. A good epilogue though, but I couldn’t understand how all these people just moved on.
This might be what you feel like after a Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock book-- it sticks in your mind and creeps you out. After reading it I would recommend your next read to be about butterflies, rainbows, puppies and sweet kisses. I know mine was.
November 27, 2014
so don't shoot the messenger here, but just couldn't wrap my head around this! I loved the craziness of this book...the on the edge psychotic characters that take disturbing to a new level, but something was just a bit off for me in the end.
Kate is basically a nobody, living an uneventful and invisible life until some wacked out man shows up at her door with flowers. Enter complete psychopath and begin Kate's journey of complete and utter hell. This girl is kidnapped, drugged, tortured, beaten, raped, forcibly involved in murder and just mentally abused at the hand of this lunatic who has basically been a black cloud in her shitty life since the age of 16.Everyting about Jack is beyond messed up and at no point is there ever a sliver of humanity in this man. As for Kate, this girl has nothing but bad luck and the poorest of outcomes yet she never stops fighting, never gives up and never gives in. This is my favorite part of this book. Kate was a pillar of strength and intelligence to the very end, bravo for a kick ass female.
Ok, so here is my gripe...I was so entrenched in the madness, the fight to survive, the need for justice that I was not looking for any type of romance in this book. I was a bit taken aback by Kate's connection to Nathan, (Jack's step brother). I struggled with Nathan most of the book...he was bitter, dull and just off to me. I honestly didn't feel like he was Kate's hero, nope, this girl saved herself. Nathan just gave her a ride and treated her gently. So, that being said, how is he scribbling " I heart U" on her hand after like a few days on the road???? How is Kate even wanting to be in the company of any man...let alone have any type of intimate feelings.
Gripe #2...well being that Jack is the sickest of individuals, come on...beat his ass, torture him...this ass gets the upper hand at every turn. Isnt Nathan an bad ass ex cop? Kinda a puss if you ask me! Also, who slept with who...whose baby was it...I got a bit confused for a hot minute. Jack lied so much that I got caught up. What a complete clusterf*** at the end there!
Ok, I am done with my gripes! who knows maybe im just being picky. Overall, I loved the story and the craziness of it. I was so absorbed up until the last 1/4 of the book. Somehow it just fizzled out for me. I wanted to stay in the moment with the characters, but they seemed to just wrap up too neatly. I think the budding romance bothered me and I couldn't get past that!
Kate is basically a nobody, living an uneventful and invisible life until some wacked out man shows up at her door with flowers. Enter complete psychopath and begin Kate's journey of complete and utter hell. This girl is kidnapped, drugged, tortured, beaten, raped, forcibly involved in murder and just mentally abused at the hand of this lunatic who has basically been a black cloud in her shitty life since the age of 16.Everyting about Jack is beyond messed up and at no point is there ever a sliver of humanity in this man. As for Kate, this girl has nothing but bad luck and the poorest of outcomes yet she never stops fighting, never gives up and never gives in. This is my favorite part of this book. Kate was a pillar of strength and intelligence to the very end, bravo for a kick ass female.
Ok, so here is my gripe...I was so entrenched in the madness, the fight to survive, the need for justice that I was not looking for any type of romance in this book. I was a bit taken aback by Kate's connection to Nathan, (Jack's step brother). I struggled with Nathan most of the book...he was bitter, dull and just off to me. I honestly didn't feel like he was Kate's hero, nope, this girl saved herself. Nathan just gave her a ride and treated her gently. So, that being said, how is he scribbling " I heart U" on her hand after like a few days on the road???? How is Kate even wanting to be in the company of any man...let alone have any type of intimate feelings.
Gripe #2...well being that Jack is the sickest of individuals, come on...beat his ass, torture him...this ass gets the upper hand at every turn. Isnt Nathan an bad ass ex cop? Kinda a puss if you ask me! Also, who slept with who...whose baby was it...I got a bit confused for a hot minute. Jack lied so much that I got caught up. What a complete clusterf*** at the end there!
Ok, I am done with my gripes! who knows maybe im just being picky. Overall, I loved the story and the craziness of it. I was so absorbed up until the last 1/4 of the book. Somehow it just fizzled out for me. I wanted to stay in the moment with the characters, but they seemed to just wrap up too neatly. I think the budding romance bothered me and I couldn't get past that!
November 5, 2013
5
stars
I´m constantly on the edge… so
… JACK !!!
This is the least you can say!!!
Charming personality in a manipulative devil´s head!!!
Hate, vengeance, lies, torture with twist and turns in every chapter that left my head spinning, well worth it... :D A dark suspense trilling journey, which I recommend to all
readers!
starsI´m constantly on the edge… so
… JACK !!!
This is the least you can say!!!
Charming personality in a manipulative devil´s head!!!
Hate, vengeance, lies, torture with twist and turns in every chapter that left my head spinning, well worth it... :D A dark suspense trilling journey, which I recommend to all
readers!
March 21, 2014
Brutal, horrifying, disturbing yet absolutely riveting!!!
Chosen scarred me in the worst way. I think I need to get some bleach to rid the images and story from my brain. Never, have I EVER been so disturbed by a novel, and I just want my mental frenzy to simply quiet down. I’m an absolute mess!
Barbara Elsborg deserves a standing ovation for this flawless portrayal of a psychotic sociopath gone wild. Thriller novels are by no means my genre of choice, but I’m a huge fan of Elsborg, so when my reading buddy presented this book with phenomenal ratings to me as our next read, I thought… Why not???
Well let me tell you... It’s freakin’ insane and disturbing and horrifying and awful... That’s why!
In Chosen, Kate is abducted from what she thought was her safe haven by Jack the psycho. She quickly learns that her life has taken a deadly turn when her stalker begins to execute his well laid out plan of making her his wife and forcing her to live with him in a secluded cabin. What ensues are killings, kidnappings, beatings, torture and more awful things I don’t want to think about any more.
This novel had a constant momentum of awful to worse feeling. The twists and turns made my head hurt and my stomach flip. There was absolutely no reprieve for Kate and as much as I rooted her on and appreciated her constant fight to escape and survive, there were moments I wanted him to just put her out of her misery.
I don’t like to read torture scenes, and I especially hate books that have violence towards women, so I’m justifying my higher rating not because I enjoyed it... I promise... I did NOT enjoy this book for one moment, but because Elsborg is a bold author with genius writing. The story telling alone is what makes me rate this higher than a normally would.
This book is disturbing and I don’t recommend it. There was a point in time when I thought I was flawed because I’ve once... or twice fallen for fictional characters that were dangerous and twisted. Well this book proves even I have my limits. I just wanted Jack to die a slow horrible death. He crossed my limit on page ONE!
Did I mention this book is disturbing? Yeah, I TRULY mean it... ~nods vigorously~
Chosen scarred me in the worst way. I think I need to get some bleach to rid the images and story from my brain. Never, have I EVER been so disturbed by a novel, and I just want my mental frenzy to simply quiet down. I’m an absolute mess!
Barbara Elsborg deserves a standing ovation for this flawless portrayal of a psychotic sociopath gone wild. Thriller novels are by no means my genre of choice, but I’m a huge fan of Elsborg, so when my reading buddy presented this book with phenomenal ratings to me as our next read, I thought… Why not???
Well let me tell you... It’s freakin’ insane and disturbing and horrifying and awful... That’s why!
In Chosen, Kate is abducted from what she thought was her safe haven by Jack the psycho. She quickly learns that her life has taken a deadly turn when her stalker begins to execute his well laid out plan of making her his wife and forcing her to live with him in a secluded cabin. What ensues are killings, kidnappings, beatings, torture and more awful things I don’t want to think about any more.
This novel had a constant momentum of awful to worse feeling. The twists and turns made my head hurt and my stomach flip. There was absolutely no reprieve for Kate and as much as I rooted her on and appreciated her constant fight to escape and survive, there were moments I wanted him to just put her out of her misery.
I don’t like to read torture scenes, and I especially hate books that have violence towards women, so I’m justifying my higher rating not because I enjoyed it... I promise... I did NOT enjoy this book for one moment, but because Elsborg is a bold author with genius writing. The story telling alone is what makes me rate this higher than a normally would.
This book is disturbing and I don’t recommend it. There was a point in time when I thought I was flawed because I’ve once... or twice fallen for fictional characters that were dangerous and twisted. Well this book proves even I have my limits. I just wanted Jack to die a slow horrible death. He crossed my limit on page ONE!
Did I mention this book is disturbing? Yeah, I TRULY mean it... ~nods vigorously~
January 31, 2013
Horrific-Psychotic-Relentless
Physical scars may heal, emotional ones may never.
In my mind, rape isn't the worst thing a woman can experience. Yes it's awful, your innocence is taken, it's demeaning, horrific, and insufferable. But combine kidnap, rape, and torture into one and THAT is something I would never recover from. The combination of emotional pain, physical pain, and the fear for survival...would royally fuck me up and cause permanent damage. How do you move on? How do you learn to trust again? How do you wake up every morning without reliving that experience in your head, over and over again? I'd break...crack in half...wrap me in a straight jacket, put me in a padded room, and throw away the key!
Some of the things Kate had to endure were horrific but God, she had the emotional strength of a thousand men. She tried so hard to run but it caused her more pain, but she tried again and again, never gave up. I'm not so sure I would have been able to do the same. When is your own breaking point? When do you finally loose the will to live? I think that if it wasn't for Sammy/Tommy...she would have lost that battle sooner rather than later.
"I won't spend my life seething with anger and resentment. If I don't let it go, I lose because he still has part of me. While you hate him so much, he's in control of your life. It doesn't mean anything he did was right. It doesn't mean I have to tell him I forgive him. I don't, but I can't move on unless I let go of the past."
For 20 years old, that woman was wise beyond her years. I've read many books with powerful heroines, but she was better than most because she was a survivor!
Jack...there are no words. I almost felt sorry for him at the end. I spent the whole book hating him, despising him, wanting him to die a thousand horrible deaths...but then, I almost cried for him. That just goes to show how manipulative his character was. He just wanted to be loved, accepted, and cherished. I mean, don't we all? He may of had some faulty mental wiring that caused him to go about it all wrong, but in his mind he was doing right. He ended up getting the justice for his mother, the revenge against his father, and the answers that he sought after.
Nathan was my savior. He fought his own demons but yet still cared enough to help heal a broken woman. If we'd left Kate's rescue to the police in charge of this case, she'd be royally screwed! Jack had lined everything up so perfect, there's no way Kate could have been set free. But with Nathan's determination, he got his (and Kate's) HEA.
This was a brutal read, very emotional and tense. But it was also written beautifully. Another book by this author that I really enjoyed.
Another note: I won't put this on my Romance shelf, for the reason...
Physical scars may heal, emotional ones may never.
In my mind, rape isn't the worst thing a woman can experience. Yes it's awful, your innocence is taken, it's demeaning, horrific, and insufferable. But combine kidnap, rape, and torture into one and THAT is something I would never recover from. The combination of emotional pain, physical pain, and the fear for survival...would royally fuck me up and cause permanent damage. How do you move on? How do you learn to trust again? How do you wake up every morning without reliving that experience in your head, over and over again? I'd break...crack in half...wrap me in a straight jacket, put me in a padded room, and throw away the key!
Some of the things Kate had to endure were horrific but God, she had the emotional strength of a thousand men. She tried so hard to run but it caused her more pain, but she tried again and again, never gave up. I'm not so sure I would have been able to do the same. When is your own breaking point? When do you finally loose the will to live? I think that if it wasn't for Sammy/Tommy...she would have lost that battle sooner rather than later.
"I won't spend my life seething with anger and resentment. If I don't let it go, I lose because he still has part of me. While you hate him so much, he's in control of your life. It doesn't mean anything he did was right. It doesn't mean I have to tell him I forgive him. I don't, but I can't move on unless I let go of the past."
For 20 years old, that woman was wise beyond her years. I've read many books with powerful heroines, but she was better than most because she was a survivor!
Jack...there are no words. I almost felt sorry for him at the end. I spent the whole book hating him, despising him, wanting him to die a thousand horrible deaths...but then, I almost cried for him. That just goes to show how manipulative his character was. He just wanted to be loved, accepted, and cherished. I mean, don't we all? He may of had some faulty mental wiring that caused him to go about it all wrong, but in his mind he was doing right. He ended up getting the justice for his mother, the revenge against his father, and the answers that he sought after.
Nathan was my savior. He fought his own demons but yet still cared enough to help heal a broken woman. If we'd left Kate's rescue to the police in charge of this case, she'd be royally screwed! Jack had lined everything up so perfect, there's no way Kate could have been set free. But with Nathan's determination, he got his (and Kate's) HEA.
This was a brutal read, very emotional and tense. But it was also written beautifully. Another book by this author that I really enjoyed.
Another note: I won't put this on my Romance shelf, for the reason...
September 12, 2012
5 Swirling Stars 'cause it made me dizzy oh wait I thought I can see 10 Stars here
this book should be on the captive shelves and not hiding 'cause it might explode
This book is one HELL of a ride! aaaahh I want to HIDE.
Just when you thought that Ms. Barbara Elsborg will put her signature humor with funny heroines and sexy bad boy heroes that have charms and wits err think again...'cause everything has been thrown off the window...you'll never thought this IS her book...
This is seriously Dark Thrilling story, that is so fast paced you'll get run over. and you keep on wondering 'where's the hero?' well yeah where's the effing hero anyway grrrr...the story will lead you to the burning fires of hell or swallowed by a black hole you can't escape..
I guess I'm gonna talk about the villain then...
first I'm gonna say Thank you Jack for being the epitome of a perfect villain and snapping the cord of my Stockholm syndrome...I hate hate hate You for that!
I felt the anger and confusion on the story..Jack is so manipulative you got confused on what's truth and what's not...everything is intense..nothing is boring in this book...you'll choke by emotions you can't help bursting out on you....I got tied by the story I wish by the first chapter I want to kill Jack myself...can't believe 3/4 of the story is so exhausting I'm losing hope...I just want to bang my head on the table...I want to help Kate, I hate that she have been kidnapped and do the worst to her...everything worst.I hate Jack through and through, I thought there would be a redeeming quality in him trying not to lose hope but in the end I don't know, pity maybe, for all he wants is somebody to love him.
Kate is a strong woman...I keep gasping for air every time Jack do something to her...I can't even breath and then I had a headache...
argh I felt every emotion Kate shows,.. and I'm losing hope 'cause I'm half the page and no one still gonna help her...bloody Hell...
Nathan, here come's the savior and to think of it I thought it was to late to save Kate...he want's to bury his past by returning to her mother's home and put a last glimpse on the house, well apart from finding where his half brother psycho Jack is... he was just accidentally mixed into the situation when Kate slip a note to his hand and to call for help...
there are some glimpse of giggles but that was when Nathan and Kate get together and that was only 1 page and I want more if ever.
this book is brilliant..I never thought Ms. Elsborg could pull a Thriller story..This is darker than 'an ordinary girl'
its brutally Horrifying
I had a headache reading this, I'm gritting my teeth and heck I'm dizzy:)
this book should be on the captive shelves and not hiding 'cause it might explode
This book is one HELL of a ride! aaaahh I want to HIDE.
Just when you thought that Ms. Barbara Elsborg will put her signature humor with funny heroines and sexy bad boy heroes that have charms and wits err think again...'cause everything has been thrown off the window...you'll never thought this IS her book...
This is seriously Dark Thrilling story, that is so fast paced you'll get run over. and you keep on wondering 'where's the hero?' well yeah where's the effing hero anyway grrrr...the story will lead you to the burning fires of hell or swallowed by a black hole you can't escape..
I guess I'm gonna talk about the villain then...
first I'm gonna say Thank you Jack for being the epitome of a perfect villain and snapping the cord of my Stockholm syndrome...I hate hate hate You for that!
I felt the anger and confusion on the story..Jack is so manipulative you got confused on what's truth and what's not...everything is intense..nothing is boring in this book...you'll choke by emotions you can't help bursting out on you....I got tied by the story I wish by the first chapter I want to kill Jack myself...can't believe 3/4 of the story is so exhausting I'm losing hope...I just want to bang my head on the table...I want to help Kate, I hate that she have been kidnapped and do the worst to her...everything worst.I hate Jack through and through, I thought there would be a redeeming quality in him trying not to lose hope but in the end I don't know, pity maybe, for all he wants is somebody to love him.
Kate is a strong woman...I keep gasping for air every time Jack do something to her...I can't even breath and then I had a headache...
argh I felt every emotion Kate shows,.. and I'm losing hope 'cause I'm half the page and no one still gonna help her...bloody Hell...
Nathan, here come's the savior and to think of it I thought it was to late to save Kate...he want's to bury his past by returning to her mother's home and put a last glimpse on the house, well apart from finding where his half brother psycho Jack is... he was just accidentally mixed into the situation when Kate slip a note to his hand and to call for help...
there are some glimpse of giggles but that was when Nathan and Kate get together and that was only 1 page and I want more if ever.
this book is brilliant..I never thought Ms. Elsborg could pull a Thriller story..This is darker than 'an ordinary girl'
its brutally Horrifying
I had a headache reading this, I'm gritting my teeth and heck I'm dizzy:)
January 23, 2012
This is NOT your normal Barbara Elsborg! I have read quite a few books by B.E. and she has never truly disappointed me. And all though Chosen is not her normal romantica/erotica it is no exception to her uber greatness. In Chosen she's created a thrilling ride of torture, insanity and survival.
Kate Evans lives under the radar. She avoids people and tries to stay within her own little bubble. She succeeds with this anonymity until one day she makes a terrible mistake by letting down her guard and opening her door for a mysterious flower delivery.
When Jack abducts Kate it's to make her his in every way. What he's not counting on is her tenacity and her ability to fight him at every turn, no matter what he does to her. He's also not expecting the interference of his half brother Nathan, who is determined to hurt Jack in the same way Jack hurt him.
What a crazy ride we take on with this story... I must say that it is definitely not for the faint of heart. There are numerous scenes of horrific torment acted out towards Kate by Jack. These scenes are very disturbing. To the point I would get a sick feeling in my gut and have to set the book aside for a while. All though this was some pretty sick and twisted subject matter, I'm not stating this as a negative. It is a story of survival and Kate as a heroine was amazing. The agony she suffered and her ability to rise above everything and still maintain her humanity in a realistic manner thoroughly solidifies my opinion that Barbara Elsborg creates amazing heroines. Kate made this book great.
My only small negative that brought the rating down from 5 to 4 stars for me was the ending. I was absorbed into the story up until that point. It ended just a bit to abruptly for me and the epilogue definitely left something to be desired.
Kate Evans lives under the radar. She avoids people and tries to stay within her own little bubble. She succeeds with this anonymity until one day she makes a terrible mistake by letting down her guard and opening her door for a mysterious flower delivery.
When Jack abducts Kate it's to make her his in every way. What he's not counting on is her tenacity and her ability to fight him at every turn, no matter what he does to her. He's also not expecting the interference of his half brother Nathan, who is determined to hurt Jack in the same way Jack hurt him.
What a crazy ride we take on with this story... I must say that it is definitely not for the faint of heart. There are numerous scenes of horrific torment acted out towards Kate by Jack. These scenes are very disturbing. To the point I would get a sick feeling in my gut and have to set the book aside for a while. All though this was some pretty sick and twisted subject matter, I'm not stating this as a negative. It is a story of survival and Kate as a heroine was amazing. The agony she suffered and her ability to rise above everything and still maintain her humanity in a realistic manner thoroughly solidifies my opinion that Barbara Elsborg creates amazing heroines. Kate made this book great.
My only small negative that brought the rating down from 5 to 4 stars for me was the ending. I was absorbed into the story up until that point. It ended just a bit to abruptly for me and the epilogue definitely left something to be desired.
November 2, 2013
What the heck was that?!?!
Well, some days ago I received an invitation from a dear friend of mine to join the Chosen BR and as a dark romance fan I happily accepted!
I was super excited to read this book until I met Jack...
What's the worst nightmare you've ever had???
Kate lived a lonely life quite life until one Friday night someone knocked on her door with a massive flower arrangement sent by a secret admirer...
She opened her door to receive the flowers and her own nightmare began....
Jack was a very sick man, a controlling deceitful sociopath who tortured and abused Kate and the whole book was brutal, distrurbing, dark & twisted...
This NOT a romance...there's nothing romantic about this story.
Needless to say that for the most part of it I was totally FREAKED OUT!!
Despite of the whole craziness and brutality it was a very interesting, suspensful & well-written book!
Definitely a page turner!
Well, some days ago I received an invitation from a dear friend of mine to join the Chosen BR and as a dark romance fan I happily accepted!
I was super excited to read this book until I met Jack...
What's the worst nightmare you've ever had???
Kate lived a lonely life quite life until one Friday night someone knocked on her door with a massive flower arrangement sent by a secret admirer...
She opened her door to receive the flowers and her own nightmare began....
Jack was a very sick man, a controlling deceitful sociopath who tortured and abused Kate and the whole book was brutal, distrurbing, dark & twisted...
This NOT a romance...there's nothing romantic about this story.
Needless to say that for the most part of it I was totally FREAKED OUT!!
Despite of the whole craziness and brutality it was a very interesting, suspensful & well-written book!
Definitely a page turner!
May 3, 2015
4.5 Stars
The only thing missing from this reading experience was my sanity.
Barbara Elsborg sure knows how to write a gripping, anxiety fuelled thriller. I didn't want to put it down. Figuring out the 'who done it' had me going in circles and trying to understand character motivation ... well I'm still not sure that I get ALL of it. But every nail biting minute is worth it in the end.
The only thing missing from this reading experience was my sanity.
Barbara Elsborg sure knows how to write a gripping, anxiety fuelled thriller. I didn't want to put it down. Figuring out the 'who done it' had me going in circles and trying to understand character motivation ... well I'm still not sure that I get ALL of it. But every nail biting minute is worth it in the end.
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