When Charlotte Murphy escapes from the ruthless serial rapist and killer, Loverboy, she finds herself completely lost and scared to death. Lost, frightened, recovering, and in the sights of a brutal killer. In a most odd but clever tactic from the police, they assign Charlie 24/7 live-in protection; a move that is supposed to comfort her and make healing easier. Somehow, despite the odds, Charlie finds a refuge in officer Nick Andrews and in his arms she finds the strength to heal and the courage to move on with life. Nick finds everything that he wasn’t looking for in Charlie’s eyes and a fight against a killer that becomes personal.
Wow I recieved this as an ARC for an honest review. And man I flipping loved it. It was full of murder, love, and suspense. I read this book in 1 day I could not put it down. A serial rapist/killer attack a women who survived and because of her survival she was put under police protection. Of course with any protection victim and police officer fell in love. However their love is tested when the killer decides he wants to finish the job. There was always something around the corner in this book it was never dull that is for sure. Follow the life of Charlie and how she copes with her tragedy and how Officer Andrew's is there for her.
When you begin reading Loverboy you have to take a minute before you realize what you’re reading. This book is not your run of the mill love stories. Charlie(Charlotte) is a serial killer’s victim that manages to escape and is put under protection by this awesome police officer named Nick who ende up getting a little too personal for his captain’s taste in this case.
I was very pleased that it wasn’t instant romance. The characters had to actually develop them over a bit of time together.
There are so many twists in this book that you will be trying to figure out who Loverboy is through the entire book.
I liked that the author did not simply make Charlie “all better” right after her attack and simply infatuated with her protector. I have personal reasons I can relate to this book and in many ways it speaks to me about growth and finding happiness and taking your life back after a horrible circumstance puts you in a place you can’t get out of. I was really shocked by the NEW MEMORy that is made at Central Par
This book isn’t really a teen book, but I don’t see a problem for a more mature 16+ reader to pick it up really.
Charlie is the only woman who has survived and escape the killer, Loverboy. I really liked the beginning of the book. At first you are trying to figure out what has happened to Charlie, not only are you trying to figure out what has happened. But Charlie is trying to remember too. Waking up in the hospital, Charlie finds out that a HOT cop named Nick, is her new security guard! Not only is Nick her new security guard, he is her LIVE in security guard. One word to describe Nick is HOT! He is a young police officer, who gets teased by his fellow officers, because of how young and good looking he is. Even though he is there to protect Charlie, there is an instant attraction. He wants to help her heal from what Loverboy has done to Charlie. He knows that it won’t be easy, because as they uncover the mystery on who Loverboy is, another tragedy has happened. Not only is there a HOT guy, and some romance. But there is an awesome mystery going on. I love how Trista keeps you guessing until the last minute. You will be on your seat, with anticipation, and also with the romance!
Although many readers have categorized Loverboy as a psychological thriller, for me this story was like a lesson of life, an introspective vision on survival, courage and on the healing power of love. Charlie Murphy should inspire and help many women in how to overcome traumas, no matter their nature, and to get over their fears and scars, learning to trust and love again. Trista Jaszczak has a unique style of crafting a story, using her signature technique of alternating characters’ points of view. Her writing style flows easily and naturally, creating vivid visuals and believable characters. Add to that all the twists and turns of the plot, which keep the reader glued to the story and you have a great read. A more than pleasant surprise, so different from her fairy-tale re-telling, but just as wonderful!
Siobhán' Review: 5 stars I wholeheartly adore this. I was completely drawn into it and didn't want to put it down. I want to applaud Trista for writing this novel. This is not an easy thing to write about. And it's not an easy thing to read about. Rape is very serious but by creating a novel that feels real and characters that are loveable as well as a story that is so many things, its sweet, dark, thrilling and beautiful. She has did something just simply wonderful.
Wow! I was actually drawn into he thriller part of the story before the romance part, but that's just me. The thought of living through what Charlie had lived through had me from the first page. Where was Loverboy and when would he strike next? A page turning story that allowed me to feel the fear Charlie and Nick felt. Every time there was a knock at the door, the phone rang or they stepped outside I feared Loverboy would show his face. Heart thumping excitement and loving tenderness! A great read.
This was a really brilliant read. It's a murder/mystery/romance which I was totally glued to.
Charlie is a serial killers victim that luckily escaped. Her life is now in danger so she's put under the protection of a police officer called Nick. This is their story which has a great storyline and twists and turns that had you on your toes!
If your looking for a gripping read that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat then this is it.
If you want a well written, deep, thrilling, sexy and heart felt book to read...look away from the muck of 50 Shades and look here. Taking a horrible, tragic event and making something beautiful of it is hard to do. But, Trista has done just that. I know a good read when I read one. And, this is it.
I liked the premise of this book but after starting it realized it had a strong New Adult vibe which wasn't what I was looking for. Decided not to finish or rate this one.
I am sitting trying to pin point what genre box this book goes into and I just can't. It's an adult novel but would work for a older YA Crossover. It's realistic, contemporary with some romance and a thrilling and suspensful story line that keep to hooked from start to finished.
Loverboy is about college student Charlotte (Charlie) Murphey. She wakes up in hositpal with a hazzy memory on how she got there. She soon discovers that she was attacked by the ruthless serial killer and raptist, Loverboy. She is the only woman to have escaped so the police have assigned her a Nick, a young poilice office who will be on guard 24/7 protecting Charlie until Loverboy is caught. After spending so much time together Charlie trusts him but Nick is starting to fall head over hell for her. Will Charlie be able to move on with her live? Will they catch Loverboy?
Oh My, I honestly have no words on just how much I loved this book. Now I can't related to the story and there is no way to even imagine going through the torture poor Charlie has to endure. However, Trista has managed to tackle the subject of rape in such a way that it story is heartfelt and uplifting. Straight away I like Charlie, she is fighter, strong and as her journey through the after events she proves that she is survivor, she is not a victim. I wonderful role model for those who may have experience something similiar. Now at first I was a bit warry of the choice of Nick. I was like "em...wouldn't a woman be more fit for this?" but Nick has is own story and it worked out perfect. The relationship that developed between them never once felt force. It was a geniune romance that gradually bloomed over the course of weeks that they spent together.
Now the idea of what happened to Charlie made me sick to my stomach and made cry because this happens in real life and it one of those things that could happen to you. Yip, Charlie was one of those young woman who thought it wouldn't happen to her and I can relate to that I think we can. We all think bad things won't happen to you. But it can. And the main story of this is how the characters move on with their lifes and deal with th ups and downs that come with the trying to catch Loverboy.
I wholeheartly adore this. I was completely drawn into it and didn't want to put it down. I want to applaud Trista for writing this novel. This is not an easy thing to write about. And it's not an easy thing to read about. Rape is very serious but by creating a novel that feels real and characters that are loveable as well as a story that is so many things, its sweet, dark, thrilling and beautiful. She has did something just simply wonderful.
Please when this book is release (I will let you all know when it is) I beg you to read this because I think it's just one of those rare books that just HAS to be read. It gets under your skins, opens your eyes and fills you with so many emotions that if you are anything like me you will end up being in tears.
♥ Book Info ♥ ♥ Title ~ Loverboy ♥ Genre ~ Romantic Suspense ♥ Author ~ Trista Jaszczak ♥ Release Date ~ October 31, 2013 ♥ Publisher ~ Planettopia Publishing ♥ Cover Artist ~ Beetiful Designs
♥ BOOK DESCRIPTION ♥ "When Charlotte Murphy escapes from the ruthless serial rapist and killer, Loverboy, she finds herself completely lost and scared to death. Lost, frightened, recovering, and in the sights of a brutal killer. In a most odd but clever tactic from the police, they assign Charlie 24/7 live-in protection; a move that is supposed to comfort her and make healing easier. Somehow, despite the odds, Charlie finds a refuge in officer Nick Andrews and in his arms she finds the strength to heal and the courage to move on with life. Nick finds everything that he wasn’t looking for in Charlie’s eyes and a fight against a killer that becomes personal."
I thought that since it's almost Valentine's Day & an author I REALLY like... Trista Jaszczak wrote a book called "Loverboy", that I would take part in the book tour and review the book. I thought that "Loverboy" deserved 3.5 stars. This book takes a look at the difficult process of recovery for a victim of assault and rape. Unfortunately this crime has affected to many woman . My best friend in fact. I thought it was very brave to write about this topic from both the victim "Charlie" and the police/ "Nick's" P.O.V. This book has interchanging P.O.V. That go from Charlie and Nick while he's become live in undercover protection while nypd searches for the serial rapist and murderer dubbed "Loverboy". Charlie is the only victim to escape his clutches. Sadly her memory doesn't give the police much to go on. Due to being drugged and severely beaten Charlie only can identify her attacker by voice. The situation is personal to police man Nick because his sister was raped when she was 18 and he helped her get through it. The crime against his sister and his father and grandfather being cops drives him to be a cop. He intends to protect Charlie while hopefully getting promoted to detective for his efforts. Neither Charlie or Nick are expecting to find themselves falling for one another. They also are in for a big shock when the identity if "Loverboy " comes to light. This is a book that deals with mature topics. It never really gets that dark and I think it would be a good read for YA as well as anyone who enjoys a dramatic crime/ suspense tale. It does however strike me as chick lit. Nick is a great character , ladies will swoon and wish they had one if their own. Charlie is equally like-able with her dancing skills and brave heart. The Phoenix that rises from the flames to become more beautiful and strong from overcoming her fears. Make sure to check out "Loverboy ", add it to your tbr list on goodreads. For a lighter mood check out Trista's retellings of Lil Red & The Shoe! Keep checking back for more reviews and have a safe and loving V-Day!
Holy crap!! What an emotional, fast paced and healing book this was. Trista had me from the first page, she was able to grab your attention and keep it completely. This is a story of rising up and healing. Being able to stand on your own feet again and not let the evils of this world hold you back from living life to its fullest and doing what you love most. Trista was able to navigate a very sensitive issue beautifully without over doing it. I loved the style of writing and being able to get into the heads of both Charlie and Nick. Even though it was really only these two characters in this book but you were never bored or wanting someone else to come in and break it up. Charlie awakes in the hospital not remembering why or how she got there. When she fully wakes up he soon realizes that it may be gift that she can’t remember everything. Her body is covered in bruises and painful cuts. Not only that she has to face the fact that she brutally raped and had been held for days suffering unimaginable torture. But her fight for life and wanting to continue living helped her fight back and escape New York City’s serial killer “Loverboy.” The body count is rising before her eyes but she is the one that got away. The only problem is that Loverboy doesn’t want to let her go. The police know that her life is still in danger so they assigned Nick to be her protector. Through the weeks of her healing Nick is there at all times. He helps her more than just by keeping her safe. He begins to heal her mind and soul. Nick is amazing!! I love him as a character and that he was there for Charlie even when he didn’t have to be as close as he was but that he truly wanted to help her heal. He knew from experience how this kind of attack could destroy a person and this leads him to be Charlie’s number one supporter. As time went on Nick and Charlie start looking at each other differently and through the bad a good thing arises…they find each other and fall in love. Nick vows to keep her safe but with a serial killer on the loose targeting her it takes everything he has to keep his word of safety. These characters blew my mind, I loved how their relationship grew and it wasn’t an insta love after what Charlie went through. It was beautiful to watch Nick pick her up every time she fell and not to see her as a victim but a survivor. Charlie is an amazing character; the strength she portrays through everything is mind blowing. All through this book I was drawn to both their loyalty and strength but also the fact that the author was able to keep you guessing at every turn as to who Loverboy is was amazing. Kudos Trista Jaszczak on a beautiful and thrilling book!!
There is no way I couldn't give this book 5 stars. If you read the blurb, I won't re-write a synopsis for you. The only surviving victim of a serial killer/rapist, Charlie embodies so many qualities and is a true role model for abuse/rape/assault victims everywhere. While there are many graphic descriptions that may be a trigger for victims, these scenes and narratives are treated with utmost respect and taste. Charlie has her weak moments, as anyone in that situation would understandably be. But she also has this will to move on, and when the circumstances aren't overwhelming, you get to see flashes of who she is or was before the attack happened. Nick is a very delicate character which I think could have destroyed the plot if allowed. But on the contrary, he reinforced the story perfectly. He is there as a cop looking for a way up the ropes, then as an assignment to hunt and bait a ruthless killer, then as a friend , then something more. So it is also a relationship that develops from tragedy but also from a strong friendship. Nick's sister had also been a surviving rape victim , so it makes the assignment a bit more personal for Nick.
Loverboy will keep you on edge, and bring you to tears. It will make you smile and cringe. It will make you swoon (see picture below) and it will make your heart break. Intense? Yes, but totally worth it.
When you begin reading Loverboy you have to take a minute before you realize what you’re reading. This book is not your run of the mill love stories. Charlie(Charlotte) is a serial killer’s victim that manages to escape and is put under protection by this awesome police officer named Nick who ende up getting a little too personal for his captain’s taste in this case.
I was very pleased that it wasn’t instant romance. The characters had to actually develop them over a bit of time together.
There are so many twists in this book that you will be trying to figure out who Loverboy is through the entire book.
I liked that the author did not simply make Charlie “all better” right after her attack and simply infatuated with her protector. I have personal reasons I can relate to this book and in many ways it speaks to me about growth and finding happiness and taking your life back after a horrible circumstance puts you in a place you can’t get out of. I was really shocked by the NEW MEMORY that is made at Central Par
What a wonderfully sweet book. Then on the other hand, really terrible awful events unfold. Is it possible for something wonderful to come out of a terrible situation?
Charlie’s at NYU and living the college dream. She has a job at a dance studio teaching, a great apartment and friends. Things aren’t perfect - she wanted to be at julliard, she didn’t want to catch her boyfriend cheating and she didn’t want to not be speaking with her family. Things could be worse…..like waking up in the hospital after being drugged, beaten, tortured and raped to within an inch of your life. She escaped and so far she’s the only one that has.
Nick is her NYPD bodyguard. The police are certain this serial killer will be back to finish the job on Charlie so he has been assigned to keep her safe. He helps her in far more ways than just keeping her safe. She trust him implicitly, pretty much from the beginning, and because of this he’s able to get her out of the house on occasion and he gets her to open up to him and talk about things.
Nick and Charlie are so amazing together. She cooks for him but makes him help, he watches her chick flicks with little complaints and he know how to touch her and hold her without making her feel dirty. She has a lot of scars to heal even after the physical ones heal. Keeping her sanity is much harder but I really think that if it wasn’t for Nick she might not have made it through.
What happens when the people that you think are there to protect you…..don’t? What happens when someone you love is threatened and going back to hell is the only way to save them?
This is an amazing book!!! Yes it’s hard to read about how she’s dealing with rape and being abused but it’s the way Nick and Charlie are together that’s wonderful. I found myself saying “awwwww he’s so sweet with her” about a hundred times. It seems like reading about them cooking and watching a movie would be boring but Trista just has an great way with conversations. I love a book where there’s a lot of conversation (you’re not just in the characters heads all the time) and she really puts the conversations in there. It makes it a very enjoyable and easy read.
Will Charlie overcome her past relationships, her past failures and her trauma to accept Nick after his “protection” is over? Will Nick come to terms with his past relationship and realize not everyone is the same?
Charlie Murphy is a survivor. After being raped and tortured by one of NYC worst serial killer’s she manages to escape with her life but can’t remember much. As the only female to get away she is assigned round the clock, live in protection in the form of police officer Nick Andrews. Taking her recovery day by day Charlie has to learn to not live her life in fear despite her torturer still being loose. Charlie with the help of Nick learns how to heal and take her life back.
Nick is a young ambitious officer. Genuine to his job he knows exactly what Charlie is going through and will stop at nothing to keep her safe. Soon their relationship begins to take a turn towards something deeper and soon their new found love comes face to face with danger once more.
This book is fantastic, I couldn’t put this one down and after reading some not so great books the last couple of days, this one was a breath of fresh air. The writing in this book was flawless and it flowed smoothly. I also absolutely loved the progression and development of Nick and Charlie’s relationship. While I was reading the book the dialogue and interactions between the two of them were so natural, funny and charming. It actually felt like they had known each other forever. I almost couldn’t believe that they had only been together for a couple of weeks in the story. I have come across a lot of books in which I feel like the relationships or romance happens too quickly, so quickly that you can’t even pinpoint how it happen and when that happens it becomes unrealistic or I become disconnected. Nick and Charlie’s relationship was nothing like that; you could actually see and feel their love developing throughout the story. It was written so well that I even fell in love with the two of them falling in love! There was also so much to admire about both Nick and Charlie. Charlie was so strong and sweet and Nick was this ever vigilant, caring protector. On top of this the suspense/thriller part of this story was equally good. The story was suspenseful at the right moments and totally kept me on edge guessing who was behind the murders. This was a great read, a true story of love and survival and how even when tragic things happen you have to keep on living, you never know when something good can come from something bad.
I did not expect the who of the mystery. Truly did not expect. wow. just wow. I love Nick though. He is just what Charlie needed to recover. He was kind and gentle. Understanding and firm and protective. Patient as all getup too. They were thrown together under sad circumstances and he helps her heal. Without trying they fell in love but danger is still lurking. Her attacker wants her dead and he is her protector.
The story begins with charlie in the hospital and Nick the officer outside her door to protect her. She has no idea what happened to her but when she sees her bruises and stitches she knows she barely survived. She's the only survivor of Loverboy. As she is about to leave the hospital Nick is told to be her live in protector from the police force. At first Charlie wasn't sure if having a male officer would be good but she learned to feel safe around him and an attraction began. Nick was able to get her to face her fears and the attack. Show her that the scars of what happened does not change who she is but makes her stronger and more beautiful. He has her feel safe. He like Charlie begins to fall in love. They are fighting it though. Her out of guilt and him because of his job.
As the danger ratchets so does the closeness they have and they finally succumb. The love story is sweet. He is sweet and understands what she is going through because of his sister. He is what Charlie needs. His gentleness helps her see herself for who she is the Phoenix of her tattoo. Nick will do anything to protect her and in the end we see this. The way he makes the new memory in Central park is swoon worthy.
A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as they keep her safe and also aahing over the romance. One that shows strength and character, love and kindness to it's ultimate. A wonderful thriller to the end with a cute romance in there as well.
Review was left by Melissa a Book Worms Reviewer Who gave this book 3.5 stars. Thank you Melissa.
murder, a rapist, a sadistic killer are what haunts Charlotte Murphy's dreams. Why? Because she escaped one and now he's after the one that got away. She's not sure how she did it but the police are not taking any chances with her safety while he's still on the loose. Their idea is to keep officer Nick Andrews close to her for protection. As in live-in close. She finds solace in the man who has taken her back, kept her safe and sane and the attraction can't be denied from either one of them. While it didn't start out this way, Nick will do anything to keep this monster from finding the person that has become most important to him safe and he will do whatever it takes.
An opinion from me....
I really wanted to love this book but it was ok. I had a hard time getting into the mundane everyday of Charlie's life in her one bedroom apartment. While I found it nice that her and Nick got to know each other as friends first and not just jump into bed with each other, it was bland. The repeated conversations, the repeated scenery was just kind of boring.
The writing didn't flow very well, nor did the storyline. It jumped in different places that left me confused. Editing could have been a whole lot better. I would give this book a 3.5 for effort and I do think the author was on the right track with the story but it was very anticlimactic. This was a new author for me and I would try others as I think she had a great idea but this just didn't do it for me.
After an intriguing blurb, Loverboy fell a little short. For me, some key aspects of the story were really glossed over, and other parts (especially dialogue) were really repetitive.
I’m really not trying to be petty here, but the phrases “gob of brown hair,” “large blob of hair,” and “a glob of stray hairs” were really distracting. While some things justify being classified as blobs, globs, and gobs, hair just isn’t among their number. Beyond that, the frequent use of “point made” got on my nerves, as did the many variations of this statement: “I won’t let anything or anyone hurt you again.” (Which is even more ironic because ) And finally, the hero’s advice to the heroine was the same thing over and over again: • “Don’t let them take away what you love or your freedom” • “Don’t change your life for anything or anyone” • “You can’t let them control your life” • “Don’t let him take away things that you love the most in your life”
Nevertheless, there are positives to this book. It’s more sweet than steamy, for those to whom that may appeal. The hero is an incredibly patient guy who basically lives with the heroine as her protection detail. Theirs is a more of a slow-burn romance, as the heroine heals and the two get to know each other gradually.
Two final concerns that may or may not be justified: 1) the depiction of law enforcement, specifically how the heroine’s case is handled, seems entirely unrealistic 2) the Kindle edition I bought and read was flawed (just a few formatting/typo-style errors)
All in all, this one didn’t ‘wow’ me, but I’m not giving up on the author just yet either. Her storytelling and characters show promise….Here’s hoping that the writing and research catch up!
Charlie was the girl who loved to dance and be young. She was going to college, teaching at a local dance studio, and enjoyed New York for everything it was worth. She decided to go to a party with friends one night against her better judgment and when the party turned into drug and alcohol fest she left. Instead of hailing a cab or avoiding walking central park, she again went against her better judgment and walked the short distance through central park to her place at 1 am. Bad idea. She became one of Loverboy’s newest victims, and was raped repeatedly and tortured. Luckily she escaped and was rescued and taken to the hospital. She was assigned a cop to watch her while she recovered at the hospital and then protect her at home until they caught Loverboy, because she was the only living victim to escape Loverboy. Luckily Nick Andrews, the officer assigned, is there to protect her and maybe even something more! Will Loverboy come back to finish what he started? Will Nick and Charlie have something more? What stressing detail puts Charlie and Nick on edge? Read it! I love how strong Charlie is and how she overcomes those horrible memories of her attack. I wish more people would realize what rape victims go through and how people should not feel sorry for them and not bombard them with question. Nick really made me realize there aren’t many officers like him out there anymore. The scene I loved the most was the runaway scene. Very moving and made my heart beat jump a bit. This book is part of a series and all are worth reading. The author takes us on a journey through different views of fairy tales! Defiantly a thriller/mystery/ romance/ adult fairy tale. 18+ for violence and sex.
Charlotte 'Charlie' Murphy has been submitted to most obscene attack after being kidnapped but managed to survive. She is the only survivor of a serial killer called 'Loverboy'. Nick is the police officer assigned to her to protect her 24/7. In trying to come to terms with the aftermath of her attack, Charlie and Nick grow closer and their relationship moves from professional to personal. But with 'Loverboy' still at large can Charlie truly heal knowing that it is only a matter of time before he comes for her again?
Nick is her strength as Charlie tries to rebuild her life and come to terms with physical and psychological scars from the attack. He gives her the courage to take back her life and not let 'Loverboy' win.
The story is told from both characters points of view and examines the impact of protecting and helping Charlie has on Nick. This reinforces Nick's character as the true gentleman that he is as he struggles to understand the feelings that he is developing for Charlie.
Trista Jaszczak spends the majority of the book focussing on the impact the attack has on Charlie and her attempt to rebuild her life and to trust again. This is done in an incredibly sensitive way and you find yourself willing Charlie on. Nick and Charlie's relationship is born out of such tragedy but is so romantic. Nick is incredibly patient with Charlie and helps Charlie at her pace. There need to be more guys like Nick in the world. If you are looking for a story that is full of action from the first page to the last page then this is not the book for you. But it you are looking for a story that is full of emotion and romance from such a tragic event then this is the book for me. Well done Trista Jaszczak for dealing with such raw emotions in such a sensitive way.
Received from: purchased on Amazon.com Category: Romance Thriller
Charlotte, who is called Charlie by her friends, wakes up in the hospital with no memory of what has happened to her. She has police protection at her door because she is the only one to have escaped from Loverboy, the serial killer terrorizing New York. Her protection, Nick, has been assigned to accompany her home when she leaves the hospital in the hopes of keeping her safe until Loverboy can be caught. Beyond protecting, Nick works to help Charlie heal emotionally while her body heals and the police work the case.
A few days ago, I posted an excerpt, the first chapter of this book, as a spotlight for the re-release. When asked to do a spotlight for this one, I jumped on the chance. Knowing how much I loved the Believe series books that I have read, I just knew I wanted to read this as well. I one-clicked that morning. As soon as I cleared my calendar, I devoured Loverboy. This was no fantasy. Instead, this story is gritty and scarily real. I could not put it down. This was a read a paragraph while at the red light kind of can’t put it down. The suspense was well written and the love story was not rushed. Trista has tackled a subject that frightens all women as we balance independence with the evil that pervades this world, and she did it with gentleness and respect. I look forward to more stories from Trista, both real and fantasy.
Recommended for: 18+ due to adult theme, rape/violence survivor story Grammar/editing: A – near perfect
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A great romantic suspense that kept me hooked from the beginning.
I really enjoyed this story, right from the very first paragraph I knew I was going to enjoy it, it was very tense from the get go and I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next.
Charlie was a beautiful and strong young women, after what she had been through I thought her bravery was amazing, although she had her moments of being scared which is very reasonable she always got herself together.
Although I also liked Nick's character because he was caring and willing to help Charlie through healing, I also sometimes thought he came across a bit younger than his actual age and in books I like my men to be a bit more assertive.
The plot was fast paced, waiting for Loverboy to catch up with Charlie and wanting to find out who he was kept me intrigued. The only negative for me was the actual capture of Loverboy, it just seemed to happen quite quickly and easily considering he was a serial killer who had been evading the police for a long time.
I thought the ending and where the last scene took place was very fitting and it definitely made me smile which is a must for me at the end of a book. I would maybe have liked to have seen a bit more of a developed ending, maybe an epilogue just to see how they both got on in the future.
Overall a suspenseful story that kept me interested throughout with a satisfying ending.
Okay where to start this review because lord there was so much to this story that I am not sure my review will do it justice. It is one of those books that at first you are like oh no because you know it is going to be sad at first but then you continue reading and you caught up in this suspense and you can't help but feel like you are on a roller coaster ride because everything is happening so fast but not fast enough.
Charlie is a college student loving her life when she is attacked by the Loverboy rapist and killer. She wakes up in the hospital and does not really remember what happened to her. But as things come back to her she is so glad she was able to survive what she went through. She is not sure why she is the only one who has survived this crazy sadistic rapist and killer but she has. Laying in the hospital she knows she has a long road ahead of her because they have to catch him.
Before leaving the hospital the police assign another officer to protect Charlie 24/7. That officer is Nick Andrews okay by now you are saying WTF a guy why would they do that but Nick is the right person to protect Charlie because he has a past and that past helps him heal Charlie. As the two of them spend so much time together Nick starts to fall in love with Charlie. He is not sure if she feels the same way as she just survived this horrific event but he is determined to go slow and win her over her trust and then her love.
Will they catch the Loverboy killer and rapist? Will Charlie open her heart up to Nick? This is a MUST READ!!!!!!!
I am giving this novel 4 of 5 stars. Wow..... what a fabulous read! I am normally not drawn to this genre of books, but after I read the synopsis for the book and a review or two, I decided to give it a go. Man ~ I was not disappointed. This book was full of mystery, intrigue, romance, and was a bit of a "thriller" as well. I will say that the only reason I did not give it 5 stars was that I felt it was a little forced or maybe repetitive at times and just needed that something extra??? Thanks so very much to Trista Jaszczak for writing and creating this fabulous book and to the new ones to come! I know she will only get better with each and every story and I will be there for each and every one! I have become a fan of this author after having read this book. Here is the excerpt from Goodreads:
When Charlotte Murphy escapes from the ruthless serial rapist and killer, Loverboy, she finds herself completely lost and scared to death. Lost, frightened, recovering, and in the sights of a brutal killer. In a most odd but clever tactic from the police, they assign Charlie 24/7 live-in protection; a move that is supposed to comfort her and make healing easier. Somehow, despite the odds, Charlie finds a refuge in officer Nick Andrews and in his arms she finds the strength to heal and the courage to move on with life. Nick finds everything that he wasn’t looking for in Charlie’s eyes and a fight against a killer that becomes personal.
Definitely worth reading and will definitely be a fave!
This book has a lot of things that happen in our every day world, maybe not to you but it has happened to someone you may know. The decisions we make can be the one that will follow us for the rest of our lives, which unfortunately was what happened to our main character as she took that one step through the park. But she should have died as is the killer/rapist MO. With not being able to remember what happened and no leads to a suspect the police department put Nick, a male officer in charge of watching over her. However, when you have experienced what she went through you definitely have fear of being near any and all men! How will Nick get her to start trusting him more than he can protect her? And when the tormentor strikes again, will she be able to put enough trust in the one man that is there to protect? That will be for you to read!
The author has done an amazing job especially with such a hard situation as this. She describes the different scenes and how it affects Charlie of who she was and is now due to being a victim. In this Romance and Thriller combined novel, the author will keep you on the edge of your seat and there were twists in this that had me at a stand still because I was not expecting it. The story was definitely not one of your normal romances but the way it was written has made it well worth it because you had to build the romance and relationship with all the bad things that are clouding Charlie’s heart and head. I recommend this book!
Complimentary copy provided by author/publisher for an honest review.
WOW! Trista I love this book.. such a rush, Thriller is right. Charlotte (Charlie) is a college student at NYU, a teacher at a dance studio and has had crappy luck with men. On her way home from a party one night she is kidnapped, beaten, raped,and tortured. Charlie escapes from her captors hands and is put under Nick Andrews watch until the killer is found. Nick is there for Charlie he helps her heal in ways she couldn't think possible. Add a douchey ex here and a party there with the hunky cop and Charlie and we have makings of a kick ass story! I couldn't put my iPad down, this story had me hanging on every sentence, I kept thinking, OMG I NEED TO KNOW WHO IS THE DAMN KILLER! Ya I am one of those people who gets antsy when I read or watch a thriller.. Ask my poor husband he gets really annoyed with me LOL . Nick .. OMG Nick reminds of a little someone I know, it takes a strong man to help a woman through the darkness and get her living and going again and it takes a strong woman to push through the trauma that she went through and stand on her own two feet again. These two were perfect for each other! I love the Tattoo that they both have, the meanings of there tattoos <3. I am kinda hoping that you are making a second book to this because I want.. NO I NEED more of Nick and Charlotte! I give Loverboy 5 stars! ~Chris
There is no way I couldn't give this book 5 stars. If you read the blurb, I won't re-write a synopsis for you. The only surviving victim of a serial killer/rapist, Charlie embodies so many qualities and is a true role model for abuse/rape/assault victims everywhere. While there are many graphic descriptions that may be a trigger for victims, these scenes and narratives are treated with utmost respect and taste. Charlie has her weak moments, as anyone in that situation would understandably be. But she also has this will to move on, and when the circumstances aren't overwhelming, you get to see flashes of who she is or was before the attack happened. Nick is a very delicate character which I think could have destroyed the plot if allowed. But on the contrary, he reinforced the story perfectly. He is there as a cop looking for a way up the ropes, then as an assignment to hunt and bait a ruthless killer, then as a friend , then something more. So it is also a relationship that develops from tragedy but also from a strong friendship. Nick's sister had also been a surviving rape victim , so it makes the assignment a bit more personal for Nick.
Loverboy will keep you on edge, and bring you to tears. It will make you smile and cringe. It will make you swoon (see picture below) and it will make your heart break. Intense? Yes, but totally worth it.