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Desert Winds #1
Down & Out
Jess moved far enough away, no one ever heard of her late husband. Her quaint fixer upper was the perfect place to quietly start over, away from the judgment and scandal of her old life. The only issue she had was the new neighbor. Once it was clear the rude cowboy didn't want to be neighborly any more than she did, she knew she'd made the right choice.
As if things weren't bad enough for Jake, rumor had it a widow lady bought the dump next door. He didn't have time to add looking after an elderly woman on his to-do list.
Jess wanted solitude to heal the scars of her past. Once Jake got a look at the widow lady and discovered she was anything but old, he found himself working to remove the boot from his mouth and convince her to let him help fix her place up.
As if things weren't bad enough for Jake, rumor had it a widow lady bought the dump next door. He didn't have time to add looking after an elderly woman on his to-do list.
Jess wanted solitude to heal the scars of her past. Once Jake got a look at the widow lady and discovered she was anything but old, he found himself working to remove the boot from his mouth and convince her to let him help fix her place up.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2012
30 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Marcy G. Dyer
10 books35 followershttp://www.marcydyer.com
http://facebook.com/marcydyer
http://twitter.com/marcydyer
Marcy G. Dyer is a retired Registered Nurse and suspense author.
She tries to bring awareness to autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and rare cancers. Multiple Myeloma and Primary CNS Lymphoma, since her family has been deeply affected by these diseases.
Like so many other writers, she began writing at a very young age.
She writes Christian thrillers/suspense novels that step outside of the realm of most traditional Christian fiction.
http://facebook.com/marcydyer
http://twitter.com/marcydyer
Marcy G. Dyer is a retired Registered Nurse and suspense author.
She tries to bring awareness to autoimmune diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and rare cancers. Multiple Myeloma and Primary CNS Lymphoma, since her family has been deeply affected by these diseases.
Like so many other writers, she began writing at a very young age.
She writes Christian thrillers/suspense novels that step outside of the realm of most traditional Christian fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 25, 2013
Of course since I wrote it, I have to give it five stars :).
January 30, 2014
From the first words of the first chapter, the author pulls me right into the life of Candace Downs -- her situation, her hardships.
Candace originally hailed from Texas, but has been working as a publicist with a Christian theatre ministry in New York City. Having just lost that job, she returns home to work in her cousin Carl's repo business on the night shift. She's had to condense all her worldly possessions into one suitcase and a carry-on piece of luggage. Having acquired an aging VW Beetle with holes in its floorboard, she shows up for work at the repo agency in what she thinks of as "work clothes," a skirt and blouse with heels.
That's when she meets Josiah Bradley, the handsome owner of Viper Security, who has been assigned to train her for her first two weeks on the job. He takes one look at her appearance and thinks she won't last long. Her partner on the night shift, Beth Anne, takes an immediate dislike to her and calls her "Barbie." Candace, in a tit-for-tat, returns the favor by calling Beth Anne "Dumpling." However, Candace soon shows she's got some mettle. Just as Candace and Beth Anne begin to iron out their differences, Candace is assigned to tow the car of a bank night security guard, Lucien Robard, after his car has been struck in an accident. He is taken by her beauty, begins stalking her, and has designs to turn her into "the perfect wife," even if he has to beat her into submission.
The author ratchets up Lucien's craziness in a very eerie way. I could feel him mentally upping the stakes as his threats and actions became more menacing, as serial offenders do. The reader gets a glimpse of his madness when in his inner dialog he recall the other women who had not lived up to his expectations. That served to make me wonder what had happened to them. Of course, I could only surmise they were no longer among the living and that question was answered by the end of the book.
One of the most charming elements of the story are the three quirky old lady relatives (Granny and her sisters, Aunt Gertie, and Aunt Bertie). We meet the eccentric trio when they get into a fender bender. The other driver shoves Granny and Aunt Gertie wallops him with her Bible while Aunt Bertie beams him with her umbrella. We later catch them going to a line dancing class and to my surprise they were not members of the class, but teaching teenage girls all the moves.
This story could be considered inspirational, or it could be considered a thriller with major characters who are people of faith. It is not primarily a preachy story. It is definitely an action packed thriller. There were some editing issues with prepositions left out, more so toward the end of the novel. In Today's publishing environment, this type of thing has become all too common.
Candace originally hailed from Texas, but has been working as a publicist with a Christian theatre ministry in New York City. Having just lost that job, she returns home to work in her cousin Carl's repo business on the night shift. She's had to condense all her worldly possessions into one suitcase and a carry-on piece of luggage. Having acquired an aging VW Beetle with holes in its floorboard, she shows up for work at the repo agency in what she thinks of as "work clothes," a skirt and blouse with heels.
That's when she meets Josiah Bradley, the handsome owner of Viper Security, who has been assigned to train her for her first two weeks on the job. He takes one look at her appearance and thinks she won't last long. Her partner on the night shift, Beth Anne, takes an immediate dislike to her and calls her "Barbie." Candace, in a tit-for-tat, returns the favor by calling Beth Anne "Dumpling." However, Candace soon shows she's got some mettle. Just as Candace and Beth Anne begin to iron out their differences, Candace is assigned to tow the car of a bank night security guard, Lucien Robard, after his car has been struck in an accident. He is taken by her beauty, begins stalking her, and has designs to turn her into "the perfect wife," even if he has to beat her into submission.
The author ratchets up Lucien's craziness in a very eerie way. I could feel him mentally upping the stakes as his threats and actions became more menacing, as serial offenders do. The reader gets a glimpse of his madness when in his inner dialog he recall the other women who had not lived up to his expectations. That served to make me wonder what had happened to them. Of course, I could only surmise they were no longer among the living and that question was answered by the end of the book.
One of the most charming elements of the story are the three quirky old lady relatives (Granny and her sisters, Aunt Gertie, and Aunt Bertie). We meet the eccentric trio when they get into a fender bender. The other driver shoves Granny and Aunt Gertie wallops him with her Bible while Aunt Bertie beams him with her umbrella. We later catch them going to a line dancing class and to my surprise they were not members of the class, but teaching teenage girls all the moves.
This story could be considered inspirational, or it could be considered a thriller with major characters who are people of faith. It is not primarily a preachy story. It is definitely an action packed thriller. There were some editing issues with prepositions left out, more so toward the end of the novel. In Today's publishing environment, this type of thing has become all too common.
March 20, 2016
Because I'm a "history junkie" I don't read a lot of contemporary fiction, but I would definitely make an exception in the case of Ms. Dyer's books. I enjoyed Down and Out quite a bit. It started off somewhat slowly, but it didn't take long for the story to pick up speed. Candace is a plucky protagonist, and I could relate to her issues of losing her job and having to go home empty handed. The villain was authentically creepy, and his point of view was included, ratcheting up the suspense the further into his head I got. The author had no qualms about making her characters suffer, which also built the suspense. The Christian message was effectively woven throughout the story. The only thing I didn't care for was the occasional coarse language.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
July 11, 2013
Candace Downs can’t believe she has to start all over, she had her dream job as a publicist for a Christian theater in New York, but it closed. Her cousin has a job for her lined up in Odessa, Texas though as a tower and repo handler. Candace knows she is completely out of her element, especially from the judged looks on trainer Josiah Bradley face, but she has a positive attitude about the whole thing and plans to do her best. When she attracts an admirer who won’t take no for an answer, Josiah is doing his best to protect her from the elusive stalker who keeps getting more dangerous the longer he is out.
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=9002
Full review on Single Titles
http://singletitles.com/?p=9002
May 27, 2016
After losing her job in NYC, Candace decides to move back home to Texas, where life is boring. Well, maybe not boring, especially when she finds herself with a deranged stalker. Nothing and no one she is connected to is safe until he is caught. Full of suspense and surprises around every turn.
This is the first book in the Desert Winds series, my second book of Marcy's that I've read. And another enjoyable read.
This is the first book in the Desert Winds series, my second book of Marcy's that I've read. And another enjoyable read.
August 16, 2014
4.5/5.0
Author Marcy Dyer creates a disturbing villain by fluidly writing the character in a nearly flawless deep point of view, giving the reader an intimate understanding of the character without the author needing to explain anything.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Author Marcy Dyer creates a disturbing villain by fluidly writing the character in a nearly flawless deep point of view, giving the reader an intimate understanding of the character without the author needing to explain anything.
Read full review in the 2013 July/August double issue of InD’tale Magazine.
July 4, 2016
Awesome
This is an awesome romantic suspense story, I loved it. Josiah and Candace are an amazing couple. Really good plot and wonderful characters, a must read.
This is an awesome romantic suspense story, I loved it. Josiah and Candace are an amazing couple. Really good plot and wonderful characters, a must read.
September 10, 2017
Well. I started this book this morning and ended up postponing things I needed to do today because I couldn't put it down. 133 pages of engrossing story. We meet our heroine and our hero on page 1. We meet our villain on page 8 and by the end of page 9 we know just what a whack job he is. And then we're off to the races.
I like books that hook me in early and keep me wanting to find spaces in my day to read them -- even if it's only a few pages. This one does that in spades. Of course, I have no willpower when it comes to this sort of thing, so I tend to do just what I did today: postpone everything that I can so I can read this book.
This is book #1 in a series of four and I can't wait to read the others. But I'm going to have to do a better job of planning so I don't feel guilty about reading!
As you have probably guessed by now, I recommend this book. It's a romantic thriller and some of the plot points you can see coming from a mile away, but who cares about that when you can't put the book down?
I like books that hook me in early and keep me wanting to find spaces in my day to read them -- even if it's only a few pages. This one does that in spades. Of course, I have no willpower when it comes to this sort of thing, so I tend to do just what I did today: postpone everything that I can so I can read this book.
This is book #1 in a series of four and I can't wait to read the others. But I'm going to have to do a better job of planning so I don't feel guilty about reading!
As you have probably guessed by now, I recommend this book. It's a romantic thriller and some of the plot points you can see coming from a mile away, but who cares about that when you can't put the book down?
March 29, 2016
4.25 ****stars. “Down & Out (Desert Winds #1” by Marcy Dyer is a Christian, romantic suspense book. It has all the elements of great romantic suspense. A catchy opening, very likeable main characters, good balance of romance and suspense, fast pace and a memorable villain. Candace Downs is forced to move back to her hometown of Odessa, Texas after losing her dream job in New York City. She drives a borrowed beat up pinkish orange VW bug to a job set up by her cousin, dressed in suitable business attire. Or so she thinks. The job is at an auto repo / tow business. The repo business is an integral part of the story and provides some comic relief. Candace actually meets both her future love interest Josiah Bradley and her stalker thru repo related business. The stalker Lucien Robard is creepy and vile. Reading the chapters written in Lucien's voice is chilling.
Candace is very likeable and relatable. She has normal insecurities and does the things most people do, like hanging out with friends and posting it about on social media. The romantic aspect is clean and slow building, beginning with friendship and concern. Really enjoyed the cast of supporting characters. I hope to see Beth Ann, Ric, Carl and Ty in future books in this series. And Candace's zany granny and aunts stole every scene they were in. I really enjoyed the fast pace, all of the different characters and will be reading the rest of the books in the series. This book was given to me for an honest, unbiased review for no cost or consideration.
Candace is very likeable and relatable. She has normal insecurities and does the things most people do, like hanging out with friends and posting it about on social media. The romantic aspect is clean and slow building, beginning with friendship and concern. Really enjoyed the cast of supporting characters. I hope to see Beth Ann, Ric, Carl and Ty in future books in this series. And Candace's zany granny and aunts stole every scene they were in. I really enjoyed the fast pace, all of the different characters and will be reading the rest of the books in the series. This book was given to me for an honest, unbiased review for no cost or consideration.
April 18, 2014
So...I must say that I do not normally read books from cover to cover in a day. Even when I am not doing anything but reading, my normal record is finishing a book in about two days or more. However, Down & Out is one of those rare exceptions. I completely devoured this novel in a span of probably a few hours at the most. It just blew me away. The storyline is phenomenal, the characters are believable, and the dance between jealously and love between the two main characters is absolutely wonderful. The suspense, though, is what truly makes this book superb.
Books have to make me react in some way. Whether it be a laugh, a smile, a tear, or even anger, each book that I read has to create some emotion in me or I consider it a so-so story. This one caused me to react in a way that I have NEVER, EVER reacted. It caused me to shudder. Literally shudder. Every time the protagonist of the story, Candace's stalker, walked onto the page, a pit of fear would form in my stomach. My shoulders would go up to my ears, and I just wanted to get away from him. I felt like a part of the story. I felt like he was after me. Creepy, huh?
Because of that, this book blew me out of the water, and I am definitely going to devour the next book just as easily as this one. I just know it.
Kudos, Marcy Dyer, for such a phenomenal story. You definitely hit the mark.
Books have to make me react in some way. Whether it be a laugh, a smile, a tear, or even anger, each book that I read has to create some emotion in me or I consider it a so-so story. This one caused me to react in a way that I have NEVER, EVER reacted. It caused me to shudder. Literally shudder. Every time the protagonist of the story, Candace's stalker, walked onto the page, a pit of fear would form in my stomach. My shoulders would go up to my ears, and I just wanted to get away from him. I felt like a part of the story. I felt like he was after me. Creepy, huh?
Because of that, this book blew me out of the water, and I am definitely going to devour the next book just as easily as this one. I just know it.
Kudos, Marcy Dyer, for such a phenomenal story. You definitely hit the mark.
January 16, 2015
Candace is back in Texas after losing her job in New York, so she’s obviously not the sort to last long in any kind of job that requires you to wear jeans instead of fancy dresses. And she’s living at Ric’s place, so she’s clearly not into church, love and marriage either. But Candace defies the stereotypes and turns out to be strong-willed, a good shot, and maybe even a perfect match for the handsome guy who seems so down on her. Sadly there’s someone else who thinks she might be a perfect match too.
Down and Out has some excellent characters – especially those three old ladies! The dialog’s convincing. The situations are believable. And the tension plays quietly in the background, taking turns with humor and the everyday, until sudden terror strikes. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable Christian romantic suspense, with believable faith woven naturally into the characters, church nicely drawn as a place to meet good friends, Christians as flawed and as salvageable as everyone else, and small touches of prayer offered with a light and gentle hand. The story will raise your heartbeat in the middle, then leave you comfortably content as you reach its close.
Disclosure: I won a copy and gave it to myself for Christmas.
Down and Out has some excellent characters – especially those three old ladies! The dialog’s convincing. The situations are believable. And the tension plays quietly in the background, taking turns with humor and the everyday, until sudden terror strikes. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable Christian romantic suspense, with believable faith woven naturally into the characters, church nicely drawn as a place to meet good friends, Christians as flawed and as salvageable as everyone else, and small touches of prayer offered with a light and gentle hand. The story will raise your heartbeat in the middle, then leave you comfortably content as you reach its close.
Disclosure: I won a copy and gave it to myself for Christmas.
February 12, 2013
I love suspense, and this action-packed novel was filled with it. Can't wait for the next book in this series. Ms. Dyer did herself proud in her debut novel.
July 5, 2018
Edge of your seat suspense!
It will grab your attention from the first chapter and won’t let go! Suspense, romance, a relentless stocker and more to keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked the mix of characters and the real life references to good old depending on God!
I recommend this read!
I received this read as a free copy and I am voluntarily submitting my review.
It will grab your attention from the first chapter and won’t let go! Suspense, romance, a relentless stocker and more to keep you on the edge of your seat. I liked the mix of characters and the real life references to good old depending on God!
I recommend this read!
I received this read as a free copy and I am voluntarily submitting my review.
August 2, 2017
Oh the Intrigue
This is a wonderful story. Candace comes home after her join ends in NYC and she starts working for cousins towing and repo company. Their first customer on her shift end up stalking her. All I can say is wow.
This is a wonderful story. Candace comes home after her join ends in NYC and she starts working for cousins towing and repo company. Their first customer on her shift end up stalking her. All I can say is wow.
August 7, 2017
Real suspense. Great story.
December 29, 2019
I liked the story a lot. The characters are believable. It held my attention from the beginning. I like A strong female character. I definitely want to read more but this author. Well done!
March 8, 2016
This was a book that I found hard to put down. I read it in two sittings (because I really needed some sleep). The characters were all completely believable and some I would love to have in my family. The trio of female relatives was great and I hope to be like them as I grow older.
I can not even begin to believe all that Candace goes through. From losing her job, moving back home, starting over again, finding a job, etc. I will not go on because I do not want to spoil this for other readers.
I would highly recommend this book. It has action, suspense, bad times, good times, and, of course, love.
I received this book for an honest recommendation
I can not even begin to believe all that Candace goes through. From losing her job, moving back home, starting over again, finding a job, etc. I will not go on because I do not want to spoil this for other readers.
I would highly recommend this book. It has action, suspense, bad times, good times, and, of course, love.
I received this book for an honest recommendation
September 8, 2016
The villain was over-the-top, and there was no explanation given as to how he could know everything the other characters were doing or how he could bypass the high technology security Josiah provides for Candace. Also, if he was a billionaire, why was working as a night security guard at a bank? It didn't give him access to victims or accomplish any other purpose I could see.
Some things just didn't add up, but in spite of the over-the-top villain and confusing situations, the book did keep me reading to the end.
Some things just didn't add up, but in spite of the over-the-top villain and confusing situations, the book did keep me reading to the end.
February 12, 2015
This was an amazing book! It is one of the best books I've ever read. It's not long and frankly it could have gone on and on and I would have been a happy camper. Great job. I only hopes she continues to publish! denise bailey
March 13, 2016
If you like a story where you "hear" a good share of the time from the POV of the creeper/stalker, then this is the book for you. It is not the book for me. I did not finish this. I made it to the 25% mark.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews