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Desperate
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Intended for mature readers aged 18+. Debut novel Desperate is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller about an abusive, manipulative, powerful man whose life comes apart when his wife finally breaks free and disappears. Finding refuge with a local cop, she begins the fight for her life, and in the process, uncovers secrets her husband buried long ago. A gut-wrenching and emotional story with an unpredictable and intense ending. Not for the faint-of-heart!
Intended for mature readers aged 18+. Debut novel Desperate is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller about an abusive, manipulative, powerful man whose life comes apart when his wife finally breaks free and disappears. Finding refuge with a local cop, she begins the fight for her life, and in the process, uncovers secrets her husband buried long ago. A gut-wrenching and emotional story with an unpredictable and intense ending. Not for the faint-of-heart!
- GenresThriller
200 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2013
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516 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 31, 2014
I really am thankful to this author for allowing me to read and review this book.
The first edition I had of this book I was a bit bewildered at the rape scene and how she reacted afterwards with a man, literally throwing herself at him.
However, I am so happy to say that the author Christine Wilkinson listened to her readers and realized the way she wanted her story to go was not the way the readers took it, so she revised some of it.
The brutality of Eris at the hands of her husband is awful to read. But its important to the story, actually its vital to the story.
I found Eris to be a strong person, the plot of the story is very very good, but I found it disjointed.
I'm trying very hard to explain what I mean, the only thing I can say is, if I was reading a long outline of what the story is about, the plots, what leads on from what, who is who and what will happen, it all fits, but the 'something' missing is the building on what is all there. It needs rounding out, developing in places as it seems hurried
Since the book has been revised, I alter my words above, its tied in nicely now and all the raw ends have now been lobbed off and a smoother story has unveiled.
I really cannot emphasis enough how superb this thriller is, yes its graphic, yes its about abuse, but its also about a very strong lady.
The part which I had problems with have now been rounded out, and I have no problem with anything I have read within its pages.
The plot is superb. The murders, the twists, the outcomes is highly readable and I loved it, but I fail to grasp certain aspects in behavior.
It really needs some serious rounding out, serious expanding, and relooking at to make this the superb book that this could be
This has now been done, and the finished book is one I would highly recommend
I really do think this has GREAT grounded for a superb fantastic thriller.
October 21, 2014
A book that has it's strong points and then it's weaknesses so ends up being a mixed bag for me the reader. Tackling the difficult angle of domestic abuse and torment, this is one of a few books I have read this year with this same theme, some are done well, some are not.
Debut novel Desperate is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller about an abusive, manipulative, powerful man whose life comes apart when his wife finally breaks free and disappears. Finding refuge with a local cop, she begins the fight for her life, and in the process, uncovers secrets her husband buried long ago. A gut-wrenching and emotional story with an unpredictable and intense ending.
This is quite a graphic book in places, disturbing and violent. I felt at the start that not enough background time was spent on building up on the relationship between the abuser and the abused, it seemed to fast forward early on to a violent scene, I felt slowed down with more tension added it would have been off to a better start.
There is an uncut version of this book also (not sure why there is two) and I am unsure what version I got, if this is NOT the uncut version then expect a VERY graphic and hard to read ride in the uncut book.
The story of a young woman who is in the most horrific of marriages, with a man who is sadistic, cruel, controlling and very, very dangerous. Some of the early scenes in this book are hard to read, physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, humiliation, violence, rape and gang rape just for starters. It's heavy going.
BUT..
This book quite quickly changes tact, which was weird. One minute she's beaten up and just been gang raped by her hubby and his friends, traumatising you would think right? Then she's escaped and is practically swooning into the eyes of a local cop she bumps into a few hours later at the gas station, like instant attraction, the loins are shivering. What the? After a gang rape and JUST running away from abuse on a daily basis.
Dear readers, was this book in reality? Who the hell knows, I know the women I have known that have escaped a marriage like this are in no way inclined to jump into some cute man's arms and get into some grinding action 24 hours later. Nope. Just no. So this book kept losing credibility, it's a bloody shame too as the plot is good but weaving in a romance with the harshness of the situation just didn't work for me (or other reviewers in reading it).
It's an easy book to read and I devoured it in just over an hour (it's more novella length), and some of it is really well written, the abuse scenes are done really well, you are wanting to turn your head away and not look, they are quite difficult to swallow. But to then throw in instant attraction and curling up on the gorgeous cop's lap and wondering if you have found your soul mate straight after? Baloney.
This woman would be so scarred emotionally and mentally, possibly with PTSD as this type of abuse is borderline torture. But suddenly she's baking cupcakes, dancing in the kitchen of the new lover boy? I am so sorry but this is just not going to happen, no matter how freaking nice he is. *Eye roll*.
The "secret twist" I saw coming from the moment they met, again, it felt like a plot twist thrown in too rapidly, a bit too conveniently also. God I wanted to love this book, SO much promise here but it really does not have a single element of realism in it, and this takes away from the impact the book has on the reader. If this was done with more of that reality touch it could be a very amazing book indeed.
I started to feel a bit ill at the way she fawns all over rescue man, head on chest, feeling so wonderful and safe but then hey-ho we are having sex again, loving sex even - 24 hours after a 4 man gang rape. Ahem? Would you? Think about it. I mean really think about it.
This dear readers is what makes this book just an okay read for me. I read all the way to the end, again there is moments where I was thinking "that is just not going to happen", still wondering how a character got shot one minute but in action a few pages later? Did I miss something?
I think of the book by Julie Frayn Mazie Baby that tackles the same subject and includes the escape of the victim and there is no comparison. Mazie Baby blew me away, Desperate just had me wondering why it was written this way and if real research was done into the state of mind of domestic abuse and torture survivors before pen went on paper. Yes, you can have creative liberty with fiction but readers want it to feel real.
You decide if you read this one, you may love the instant romance and the hero that "saves" her, you may also find it's not set in reality like me. Only you will know.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the author, many thanks for the opportunity to read and review your book.
Debut novel Desperate is a dark and disturbing psychological thriller about an abusive, manipulative, powerful man whose life comes apart when his wife finally breaks free and disappears. Finding refuge with a local cop, she begins the fight for her life, and in the process, uncovers secrets her husband buried long ago. A gut-wrenching and emotional story with an unpredictable and intense ending.
This is quite a graphic book in places, disturbing and violent. I felt at the start that not enough background time was spent on building up on the relationship between the abuser and the abused, it seemed to fast forward early on to a violent scene, I felt slowed down with more tension added it would have been off to a better start.
There is an uncut version of this book also (not sure why there is two) and I am unsure what version I got, if this is NOT the uncut version then expect a VERY graphic and hard to read ride in the uncut book.
The story of a young woman who is in the most horrific of marriages, with a man who is sadistic, cruel, controlling and very, very dangerous. Some of the early scenes in this book are hard to read, physical abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse, humiliation, violence, rape and gang rape just for starters. It's heavy going.
BUT..
This book quite quickly changes tact, which was weird. One minute she's beaten up and just been gang raped by her hubby and his friends, traumatising you would think right? Then she's escaped and is practically swooning into the eyes of a local cop she bumps into a few hours later at the gas station, like instant attraction, the loins are shivering. What the? After a gang rape and JUST running away from abuse on a daily basis.
Dear readers, was this book in reality? Who the hell knows, I know the women I have known that have escaped a marriage like this are in no way inclined to jump into some cute man's arms and get into some grinding action 24 hours later. Nope. Just no. So this book kept losing credibility, it's a bloody shame too as the plot is good but weaving in a romance with the harshness of the situation just didn't work for me (or other reviewers in reading it).
It's an easy book to read and I devoured it in just over an hour (it's more novella length), and some of it is really well written, the abuse scenes are done really well, you are wanting to turn your head away and not look, they are quite difficult to swallow. But to then throw in instant attraction and curling up on the gorgeous cop's lap and wondering if you have found your soul mate straight after? Baloney.
This woman would be so scarred emotionally and mentally, possibly with PTSD as this type of abuse is borderline torture. But suddenly she's baking cupcakes, dancing in the kitchen of the new lover boy? I am so sorry but this is just not going to happen, no matter how freaking nice he is. *Eye roll*.
The "secret twist" I saw coming from the moment they met, again, it felt like a plot twist thrown in too rapidly, a bit too conveniently also. God I wanted to love this book, SO much promise here but it really does not have a single element of realism in it, and this takes away from the impact the book has on the reader. If this was done with more of that reality touch it could be a very amazing book indeed.
I started to feel a bit ill at the way she fawns all over rescue man, head on chest, feeling so wonderful and safe but then hey-ho we are having sex again, loving sex even - 24 hours after a 4 man gang rape. Ahem? Would you? Think about it. I mean really think about it.
This dear readers is what makes this book just an okay read for me. I read all the way to the end, again there is moments where I was thinking "that is just not going to happen", still wondering how a character got shot one minute but in action a few pages later? Did I miss something?
I think of the book by Julie Frayn Mazie Baby that tackles the same subject and includes the escape of the victim and there is no comparison. Mazie Baby blew me away, Desperate just had me wondering why it was written this way and if real research was done into the state of mind of domestic abuse and torture survivors before pen went on paper. Yes, you can have creative liberty with fiction but readers want it to feel real.
You decide if you read this one, you may love the instant romance and the hero that "saves" her, you may also find it's not set in reality like me. Only you will know.
I received a copy of this book thanks to the author, many thanks for the opportunity to read and review your book.
November 22, 2013
So much to say about this book, both negative and positive. For the most part, this book was pretty good. This is author Christine Wilkinson’s debut novel, and not a bad one at that. It is creative with a great descriptive aspect and a solid suspense outline. She did well with keeping the reader tuned in and turning pages. I started the book last night with the intent of getting at least the first couple chapters at out of the way. I just kept turning pages. Somewhere around a quarter to 2am, I had reached the end.
My first observation of the book is a possible reflection of the author. The details in the abuse (physical, emotional, verbal, and especially sexual) were so real and raw I hope that she did not write from a more personal point of view. This book definitely needs to come with *trigger* warnings! It was really very real, from the abuse to the scars and damage done; both physical and emotional. The author captured the victim, Eris, so well as a real, viable victim.
Christine also did well at painting a sociopath, psychotic individual rather well too. I hated Eris’ husband from the first page he was written on.
The events that lead up to the deaths in the book, the twists and turns, gripped the reader’s view incredibly well. However, with that said, I have two negatives about the book.
Negative Impressions
First negative impression was that of a woman who suffered(s) 10 years of severe, crippling abuse who runs right into the arms of another man. I think even the author, Christine, might have sensed that about the book while she was writing it. There were numerous moments were she implied from Eris’ point of view, “What am I doing? Why am I so attracted to this man?” etc. I personally cannot see a horrifically abused woman less than 24 hours after her escape cling to the body warmth given by another man.
Well, wait.. I guess maybe I can. The main character was so starved for any compassion, love, kindness… I can see her slipping quickly into another relationship scenario.
Second negative impression stems from the first one; all the sexual interludes. I found myself skipping pages to just get through the sex scenes. I am not a prude. I do enjoy a tasteful, classy written sex scene, but not every other page. The middle of the book was a plethora of various sex scenes. I just found it awkward to read, because in the back of my mind I kept thinking, “No woman who escaped that kind of abuse would do this.”
But, then again… I guess I can see where she would. I think a few of the sex scenes were vital in the mental impression the author wanted to present Eris as. Sex is trust. Sex is giving and taking. The sex scene with Eris’ first orgasm was a crucial, imperative plot point for Eris.
Overall, this is a well written, very creative book. I want to thank the author, Christine Wilkinson, for sending an author review copy. It will forever have a home on my Haunted Book Case at home.
My first observation of the book is a possible reflection of the author. The details in the abuse (physical, emotional, verbal, and especially sexual) were so real and raw I hope that she did not write from a more personal point of view. This book definitely needs to come with *trigger* warnings! It was really very real, from the abuse to the scars and damage done; both physical and emotional. The author captured the victim, Eris, so well as a real, viable victim.
Christine also did well at painting a sociopath, psychotic individual rather well too. I hated Eris’ husband from the first page he was written on.
The events that lead up to the deaths in the book, the twists and turns, gripped the reader’s view incredibly well. However, with that said, I have two negatives about the book.
Negative Impressions
First negative impression was that of a woman who suffered(s) 10 years of severe, crippling abuse who runs right into the arms of another man. I think even the author, Christine, might have sensed that about the book while she was writing it. There were numerous moments were she implied from Eris’ point of view, “What am I doing? Why am I so attracted to this man?” etc. I personally cannot see a horrifically abused woman less than 24 hours after her escape cling to the body warmth given by another man.
Well, wait.. I guess maybe I can. The main character was so starved for any compassion, love, kindness… I can see her slipping quickly into another relationship scenario.
Second negative impression stems from the first one; all the sexual interludes. I found myself skipping pages to just get through the sex scenes. I am not a prude. I do enjoy a tasteful, classy written sex scene, but not every other page. The middle of the book was a plethora of various sex scenes. I just found it awkward to read, because in the back of my mind I kept thinking, “No woman who escaped that kind of abuse would do this.”
But, then again… I guess I can see where she would. I think a few of the sex scenes were vital in the mental impression the author wanted to present Eris as. Sex is trust. Sex is giving and taking. The sex scene with Eris’ first orgasm was a crucial, imperative plot point for Eris.
Overall, this is a well written, very creative book. I want to thank the author, Christine Wilkinson, for sending an author review copy. It will forever have a home on my Haunted Book Case at home.
April 22, 2014
Decent but unbelievable-POSSIBLE SPOILERS!
I finished this book in one setting and it did have a nice pace and prose. The problems I had with the book stemmed more from the major gaps in believability that the reader must straddle. For example, Eris "kills" her father in a violent psychological episode, but there are no legal ramifications? She starts lusting after another man almost immediately after escaping 10 years of torture? Aud survives a close range gunshot and saves the day? The same Aud that can barely get out of a car? And to be honest, the book would have been better if it had ended before the journals were dropped off. The revelations contained within were, I'm sure, intended to be the final "wow twist" of the book (and there were many good ones throughout) but it only seemed over the top and unnecessary. Overall an entertaining and fast paced read, but too many plot holes and jump the shark moments for me to give it higher than 3 stars.
I finished this book in one setting and it did have a nice pace and prose. The problems I had with the book stemmed more from the major gaps in believability that the reader must straddle. For example, Eris "kills" her father in a violent psychological episode, but there are no legal ramifications? She starts lusting after another man almost immediately after escaping 10 years of torture? Aud survives a close range gunshot and saves the day? The same Aud that can barely get out of a car? And to be honest, the book would have been better if it had ended before the journals were dropped off. The revelations contained within were, I'm sure, intended to be the final "wow twist" of the book (and there were many good ones throughout) but it only seemed over the top and unnecessary. Overall an entertaining and fast paced read, but too many plot holes and jump the shark moments for me to give it higher than 3 stars.
November 21, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. The author has the audacity to include a page dictating what can be done with the book: no giving it away, no sharing it with friends, etc. Ridiculous. It's my book now. So long as I'm not publishing it or trying to pass it off as mine, I'll do what I want with it.
The story itself is disturbing, and not in a good storytelling kind of way. The way the protagonist behaves after escaping from her abusive husband is appalling and not realistic at all. By the end of the book, I felt the character to still be a vapid damsel-in-distress. There just wasn't anything likeable about her, so it was hard to care about her situation. All she does is hop from man to man, from monster to hero.
I would have only given one star, but the author does show significant skill in writing. The writing is actually quite good, but the story....oh, man. Just don't.
The story itself is disturbing, and not in a good storytelling kind of way. The way the protagonist behaves after escaping from her abusive husband is appalling and not realistic at all. By the end of the book, I felt the character to still be a vapid damsel-in-distress. There just wasn't anything likeable about her, so it was hard to care about her situation. All she does is hop from man to man, from monster to hero.
I would have only given one star, but the author does show significant skill in writing. The writing is actually quite good, but the story....oh, man. Just don't.
February 8, 2014
This story drew me in from the very first chapter and I had a hard time putting it down. Eris has been severely physically and mentally abused by her sadistic husband for 10 years. He made everyone think she was psychotic, self abusive and ultimately killed her own father. When she finally escaped, she found someone to help her hide from her husband who was on the hunt to find her and make her pay for leaving him. So as not to give away any spoilers, I will simply say the author did a great job of keeping me intrigued as to what would happen next...would her husband find her before she was able to prove her innocence, her abuse and that she did not kill her father? I did not expect the ending at all. I have recommended this book to friends and family. Definitely worth reading!
May 30, 2014
Passionate but Unrealistic
The story has a great cover and title, but sadly those are the best things I can say about this book. I feel the author has a great amount of passion about the story and topic, but I felt the story lacked believability and credibility. No woman in her right mind is going to get horny for a guy right after a brutal gang rape and a big down the road. Also, if the evidence says you killed someone, you are arrested pure and simple, there is no such thing as the murderess staying home and resting up (even if she is set up.)
I don't like giving two stars, but I feel the story can use a good rewrite.
The story has a great cover and title, but sadly those are the best things I can say about this book. I feel the author has a great amount of passion about the story and topic, but I felt the story lacked believability and credibility. No woman in her right mind is going to get horny for a guy right after a brutal gang rape and a big down the road. Also, if the evidence says you killed someone, you are arrested pure and simple, there is no such thing as the murderess staying home and resting up (even if she is set up.)
I don't like giving two stars, but I feel the story can use a good rewrite.
November 12, 2013
I was lucky enough to receive this free book through Goodreads First Reads. The plot of the story is gripping, and tragic but also still hopeful. Eris is a strong minded character and she is still able to enjoy things in her life even after all of the torment that Percy caused her. The book was unpredictable and each page was a new surprise.
I didn't realize that this book was a romance novel based on the synopsis but it was still a very good book to read.
I didn't realize that this book was a romance novel based on the synopsis but it was still a very good book to read.
November 16, 2013
I liked this book but thought there was a little too many sex scenes to fit with the story line. Some of them just didn't make sense, or maybe I'm trying to make the story too realistic. The ending surprised me, which I liked. Overall, a good read.
June 28, 2014
I read this book last night. I finished the whole book in 4.5 hours. I read this right after I read her book Second book..
A lot of people would be turned off by all the violence and sexual acts in this book, for me thats what drew me in more..sick I know? lol..
It was sort of predictable but I guess that because of the whay she worded it..I knew right away that was his brother...
I noticed that the two books i read from her have very similar things in common..one being them falling in love with police man right after escaping..Just to name one..
I got this free for Kindle..Which is awesome by the way. Can't wait to read her more recent one now
A lot of people would be turned off by all the violence and sexual acts in this book, for me thats what drew me in more..sick I know? lol..
It was sort of predictable but I guess that because of the whay she worded it..I knew right away that was his brother...
I noticed that the two books i read from her have very similar things in common..one being them falling in love with police man right after escaping..Just to name one..
I got this free for Kindle..Which is awesome by the way. Can't wait to read her more recent one now
July 8, 2014
I love a novel that keeps me guessing. This one had so many twists and turns and kept me guessing until after what I thought was the end. After all the quesrtions were asked, it didn't say "the end" and I began to wonder, at first, whey the author kept the story going. I almost quit reading but then, wait, all of the questions weren't answered. The biggest surprise comes at the very end. The only thing that keeps it from being a five star instead of a one star was that the main character fell into the arms of another man as soon as she escaped her tormentor. I would have liked it better if he had to work a little harder to make her trust him.
November 14, 2013
I was happy to have won this book and of course happier to read. While this wasn't my favorite book, mainly because there were more romantic parts than storyline, it kept true to it's description. While one knows spousal abuse is apparent in the world, this book helps point out that there isn't always an easy answer for a way out.
March 26, 2014
Good book
not what I mean expected. strange ending. think I may read more of her books. fast paced at first then slows a bit...
not what I mean expected. strange ending. think I may read more of her books. fast paced at first then slows a bit...
June 28, 2014
I thought the book was very good, but somewhat predictable. I knew right away it was his brother when she started talking about how they looked the same with their hair...IT was good
July 3, 2014
I'll give it a 3 1/2.. I liked the beginning and ending.. got kinda long and drawn out in the middle but I would say all in all pretty good book!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews