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Navesink Bank Universe #69
The Survivor
- Mari -
True crime girlies weren’t supposed to become victims.
Mari hoped that by consuming anything and everything murder and mystery, she would never find herself the star of some true crime podcast one day.
Until one night, when she finds herself the victim of a serial killer the news had dubbed The Silent Sadist…
- Detective Wells Vaughn -
It was his job to get this guy off the streets before he struck again.
But then the call woke him in the middle of the night.
The Silent Sadist had struck again.
But this time, there was a survivor.
Not only had she survived, but she’d gotten them their first lead.
He thought that was all this would be. A woman with a wealth of information to help him finally track down a serial killer that had been haunting him for years.
He never expected to start to fall for the victim.
Or that she would want him in turn.
But The Silent Sadist was still out there.
And he wasn’t done with Mari…
True crime girlies weren’t supposed to become victims.
Mari hoped that by consuming anything and everything murder and mystery, she would never find herself the star of some true crime podcast one day.
Until one night, when she finds herself the victim of a serial killer the news had dubbed The Silent Sadist…
- Detective Wells Vaughn -
It was his job to get this guy off the streets before he struck again.
But then the call woke him in the middle of the night.
The Silent Sadist had struck again.
But this time, there was a survivor.
Not only had she survived, but she’d gotten them their first lead.
He thought that was all this would be. A woman with a wealth of information to help him finally track down a serial killer that had been haunting him for years.
He never expected to start to fall for the victim.
Or that she would want him in turn.
But The Silent Sadist was still out there.
And he wasn’t done with Mari…
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 10, 2023
135 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gadziala
165 books5,404 followersJessica Gadziala is a USA Today bestselling author who lives in rural New Jersey with her parrots, dogs, and an ever-growing collection of houseplants. A lifelong dreamer, she’s been writing stories since childhood and published her first book in 2015. When not at her desk, she’s usually feeding backyard birds, rewatching crime dramas, period pieces, and 90s supernatural TV shows, or adding to her towering stacks of unread books.
You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
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You can find her on
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Gadz...
Newsletter: subscribepage.io/K4GPfj
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicagadz...
Her Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/31454...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jessicagadz...
xx
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 3, 2024
Shame, shame, on me. I’m so embarrassed to admit that I didn’t jump into this book sooner
Welcome back to Navesink Bank Universe, this is a standalone read, but we have met Detective Wells Vaughn in previous books, so I was just thrilled to death when I realized that Jessica was giving Vaughn his own book
Some monsters are good at hiding in plain sight
The survival instinct was strong in many of us. But it was doubly so in Mari, someone who knew what was going to happen to her, see Mari was a Podcast junkie, she devoured every documentary, podcast, and YouTube video that she could, but Somehow she let her guard down and she found herself in a situation that she might not be able to get herself out….. See a Serial killer found his way into her bedroom, and for hot second Mari thought that she was going to become one of those statistics, you know one of those women with no hope, but lucky thing, she snapped out of those thoughts really fast Just in time to save herself. The only trouble Is will she be able to do it a second time
These two characters had a phenomenon chemistry between them…… Unfortunately, they had met under the wrong circumstances…… but JG, being JG, she made it work
In my personal opinion I believe this book goes out to all the survivors…. you know who you are
December 6, 2023
Do you like true crime stories?
Are you like me fascinated by all the possibilities in the modern forensic methods and how the real detectives are working a case?
What about the stories about serial killers?
I love all of them.
I'm like the main character from this book, a huge fan of true crime shows.
But she's not only a fan, she's also obsessed about her safety.
She's so much more than a fan.
She also has a very strong survivor instinct.
That's exactly what safe her life, the survivor instinct and all these true crime shows.
This book is so good.
The story is from the beginning to the end an action-packed, fast-paced and extremely gripping thriller.
It's amazing how much you can learn from a true crime documentary or, in this case, a fiction story.
In addition to that, it's also a romance ❤️
A scorching hot, exciting and suspense-packed thriller-romance.
Once again, Jessica has proven that she can write in any genre she wants, and this book is proof of that.
Are you like me fascinated by all the possibilities in the modern forensic methods and how the real detectives are working a case?
What about the stories about serial killers?
I love all of them.
I'm like the main character from this book, a huge fan of true crime shows.
But she's not only a fan, she's also obsessed about her safety.
She's so much more than a fan.
She also has a very strong survivor instinct.
That's exactly what safe her life, the survivor instinct and all these true crime shows.
This book is so good.
The story is from the beginning to the end an action-packed, fast-paced and extremely gripping thriller.
It's amazing how much you can learn from a true crime documentary or, in this case, a fiction story.
In addition to that, it's also a romance ❤️
A scorching hot, exciting and suspense-packed thriller-romance.
Once again, Jessica has proven that she can write in any genre she wants, and this book is proof of that.
December 6, 2023
Jessie just smashes it every time. EVERY. TIME.
Mari is a physio who also happens to love a good true crime podcast. I don't think she thought knowing what she did made her obnoxiously safe. But as well as just being a woman gives you that need to overthink for safety purposes.. knowing more than your average Joe about killers also makes you hyper aware. But it didn't save her.
Mari is sweet, not super social, but also not unsociable. She's just a normal woman working shifts, doing her grind and chugging through life with her home comforts. She's relatable, she has fire and she fights for herself. I loved her. She's also so easy going!.
Wells fell into a world a test told him would be good for him. He lives and breathes his job and the nightmares that haunt him from it.
Wells has never mixed business with pleasure. He has never taken advantage of the power he holds. His job is to protect, and he does that and then some. He also just happened to fall for a survivor of the monster he was chasing.
Wells is kind and patient, but he's also not afraid to take what he wants and assert himself in all positions in all the best ways.
He's sweet in a way that hits the heart and feeds the soul and the way he cares and loves Mari... man, he's a keeper.
I mean, it's not the best circumstances, but their chemistry is insane and them coming together was truly inevitable. What a freaking ride. I mean, it's crazy and suspenseful, but it also just clicked right. Like they were always meant to be. I loved how their lives intertwined, and I could not imagine them not being a them.
I'm so excited for their story. For what this could mean for the future. From the first page, I was invested, and as the story unfolded, I fell hard for these characters and where this journey would take them. It was a rollercoaster, for sure. It's not one bit easy. But as always with Jessica, she gives us some heartbreak, some juicy heat, some heart palpitations.. some laughter and some sweet. We've got world building, great character development, and depth. It's a full run.
Now... I'm interested to see where this goes.
Also dogs ... lots of them. That is my kind of world.
Mari is a physio who also happens to love a good true crime podcast. I don't think she thought knowing what she did made her obnoxiously safe. But as well as just being a woman gives you that need to overthink for safety purposes.. knowing more than your average Joe about killers also makes you hyper aware. But it didn't save her.
Mari is sweet, not super social, but also not unsociable. She's just a normal woman working shifts, doing her grind and chugging through life with her home comforts. She's relatable, she has fire and she fights for herself. I loved her. She's also so easy going!.
Wells fell into a world a test told him would be good for him. He lives and breathes his job and the nightmares that haunt him from it.
Wells has never mixed business with pleasure. He has never taken advantage of the power he holds. His job is to protect, and he does that and then some. He also just happened to fall for a survivor of the monster he was chasing.
Wells is kind and patient, but he's also not afraid to take what he wants and assert himself in all positions in all the best ways.
He's sweet in a way that hits the heart and feeds the soul and the way he cares and loves Mari... man, he's a keeper.
I mean, it's not the best circumstances, but their chemistry is insane and them coming together was truly inevitable. What a freaking ride. I mean, it's crazy and suspenseful, but it also just clicked right. Like they were always meant to be. I loved how their lives intertwined, and I could not imagine them not being a them.
I'm so excited for their story. For what this could mean for the future. From the first page, I was invested, and as the story unfolded, I fell hard for these characters and where this journey would take them. It was a rollercoaster, for sure. It's not one bit easy. But as always with Jessica, she gives us some heartbreak, some juicy heat, some heart palpitations.. some laughter and some sweet. We've got world building, great character development, and depth. It's a full run.
Now... I'm interested to see where this goes.
Also dogs ... lots of them. That is my kind of world.
January 2, 2024
3 stars
A nice addition to the Navesink Bank universe. I could learn a few things about self defence from it.
The spice was great too.
A nice addition to the Navesink Bank universe. I could learn a few things about self defence from it.
The spice was great too.
March 14, 2024
4.5 🌟
This is my second book by the author and I loved it. Imagine reading a fast paced gripping story. This was a good refreshing air for me, it had thriller and then romance. I loved how the author potrayed the characters and story. Mari is no damsel in distress and wanting to be saved infact she is a badass and so strong and smart. I loved Wells as well who was written as great MMC. I would have loved to see more of Mari and Wells bit none the less this was an quick fast paces read and I loved it. I need to go back and start with The Navesink Bank as well now.
This is my second book by the author and I loved it. Imagine reading a fast paced gripping story. This was a good refreshing air for me, it had thriller and then romance. I loved how the author potrayed the characters and story. Mari is no damsel in distress and wanting to be saved infact she is a badass and so strong and smart. I loved Wells as well who was written as great MMC. I would have loved to see more of Mari and Wells bit none the less this was an quick fast paces read and I loved it. I need to go back and start with The Navesink Bank as well now.
December 20, 2023
Quick(ish) Review 3.5 stars
I typically enjoy JG's style of writing and the way she builds found family around her characters in Navesink Bank. I really liked the setup for this story and it giving some insight into the NBPD's Wells, who's shown up in her other books. I did like this but it was definitely missing that thing that makes it great. Lemme splain.
I liked that the FMC is a true crime fan, that she learned how to survive her attack by a serial killer because of those shows and books. Her ability to save herself? Absolutely the highlight of this book and even when she goes deep into her own thoughts, it made sense and kept me engaged.
My main complaint is how insular the story is, as a whole. Those found family scenes that JG excels at are absolutely missing here. Even when Wells and Mari start to connect, their conversations still revolve around the danger she's in and I didn't feel like I got to know either one of them beyond this particular situation. I even understand that it's that isolation that makes Mari the ideal victim for the serial killer but there are barely any interactions with any other characters, and since they don't have any friends or family at all, it made the story feel just a little too flat. Again, I got the point that it makes sense for the plot, but I still missed getting some more depth from the overall tale. But I'm still down for more in this little corner of the 'verse, and I really did enjoy the final girl getting her HEA.
I typically enjoy JG's style of writing and the way she builds found family around her characters in Navesink Bank. I really liked the setup for this story and it giving some insight into the NBPD's Wells, who's shown up in her other books. I did like this but it was definitely missing that thing that makes it great. Lemme splain.
I liked that the FMC is a true crime fan, that she learned how to survive her attack by a serial killer because of those shows and books. Her ability to save herself? Absolutely the highlight of this book and even when she goes deep into her own thoughts, it made sense and kept me engaged.
My main complaint is how insular the story is, as a whole. Those found family scenes that JG excels at are absolutely missing here. Even when Wells and Mari start to connect, their conversations still revolve around the danger she's in and I didn't feel like I got to know either one of them beyond this particular situation. I even understand that it's that isolation that makes Mari the ideal victim for the serial killer but there are barely any interactions with any other characters, and since they don't have any friends or family at all, it made the story feel just a little too flat. Again, I got the point that it makes sense for the plot, but I still missed getting some more depth from the overall tale. But I'm still down for more in this little corner of the 'verse, and I really did enjoy the final girl getting her HEA.
December 4, 2023
New stand along book but based in the NB world.. We finally get a story about the NBPD. Another unique heroine.
Mari Yates refuses be a victim. She had read everything she can on true crimes. Is hyper diligent when out. Has strategically places weapons in her home. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop her from becoming the next victim of the rapist and murderer dubbed the Silent Sadist. But it does help her do something the other victims haven't been able to do - survive his attack.
Detective Wells Vaughn has been working the case for almost 3 years with no clues. When Mari manages to survive the killers attack, he thinks they may have a chance of finally catching him. One problem is he finds himself attracted to the victim.
It was a a nice to change get a standalone book. New characters and a great story. Hope it sells well so we can get more stories. I'd love one about the profiler..
Mari Yates refuses be a victim. She had read everything she can on true crimes. Is hyper diligent when out. Has strategically places weapons in her home. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop her from becoming the next victim of the rapist and murderer dubbed the Silent Sadist. But it does help her do something the other victims haven't been able to do - survive his attack.
Detective Wells Vaughn has been working the case for almost 3 years with no clues. When Mari manages to survive the killers attack, he thinks they may have a chance of finally catching him. One problem is he finds himself attracted to the victim.
It was a a nice to change get a standalone book. New characters and a great story. Hope it sells well so we can get more stories. I'd love one about the profiler..
December 4, 2023
Even though "The Survivor" is based in Navesink Banks, it stands on its own. I enjoyed the book, the characters and appreciated the flow. I was invested in the story when Mari fought for her life, both times. I enjoyed the book. I also was glad there was a little more depth with the police of NSB.
December 14, 2023
Omg!!! This book, an incredibly strong female lead, with a passion for true crime that ultimately led to her saving her life not once but twice in this book. Loved the spicy scenes, great chemistry between Wells and Mari , insta connection and just a perfect read.
December 10, 2023
Great book!!! Loved to see another side to this placed that has grown so dear to my heart. The Navesink Bank Universe is by far my favorite book world!
This book really hooked me in from the beginning and I didn’t stop till I reached the end. Grab this book up you will not be disappointed!!
This book really hooked me in from the beginning and I didn’t stop till I reached the end. Grab this book up you will not be disappointed!!
December 11, 2023
Jessica Gadziala never misses!! A great, thrilling read that was also super informative on women’s safety.
June 13, 2024
3.5 stars
I loved the story but it was all happening a bit too fast for me, especially the romance.
But this is a very short, very packed and very entertaining read so I won't be bitching.
And yeah, detective Vaughn can arrest me any time he wants.
I'll bring my own cuffs. 😏
I loved the story but it was all happening a bit too fast for me, especially the romance.
But this is a very short, very packed and very entertaining read so I won't be bitching.
And yeah, detective Vaughn can arrest me any time he wants.
I'll bring my own cuffs. 😏
January 28, 2024
A relatively quick and enjoyable read! The plot was good and I very much enjoyed our characters and if there’s one thing I love is a MC with self preservation and who trusts their instincts.
December 11, 2023
The Survivor is a standalone book by author Jessica Gadziala set in Navesink Bank which is the location for many of her wonderful series.
Detective Wells Vaughn has been mentioned in several of JG’s books, so I was intrigued to get his personal story. It’s a good book and I was not disappointed. Wells is a great man and a honest and hard working detective with the Navesink Bank Police Department. He’s sexy and dominant and he cares about the people he’s protecting.
Mari is an excellent leading lady and the perfect woman to catch Det. Vaughn’s eye. She’s strong and intelligent and determined not to be a victim again. Her interest in true crimes provided her the knowledge that saved her life. The attraction between Wells and Mari is strong yet it’s sweet and enduring at the same time. I loved the addition of the dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
This was another really good book told from dual POVs with a happy ending. I liked Gaven and hope he gets a book in the future as well, which will also hopefully allow us to catch up with how Wells and Mari are doing.
Detective Wells Vaughn has been mentioned in several of JG’s books, so I was intrigued to get his personal story. It’s a good book and I was not disappointed. Wells is a great man and a honest and hard working detective with the Navesink Bank Police Department. He’s sexy and dominant and he cares about the people he’s protecting.
Mari is an excellent leading lady and the perfect woman to catch Det. Vaughn’s eye. She’s strong and intelligent and determined not to be a victim again. Her interest in true crimes provided her the knowledge that saved her life. The attraction between Wells and Mari is strong yet it’s sweet and enduring at the same time. I loved the addition of the dogs and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story.
This was another really good book told from dual POVs with a happy ending. I liked Gaven and hope he gets a book in the future as well, which will also hopefully allow us to catch up with how Wells and Mari are doing.
December 10, 2023
What I always love about Jessica's books is the kickass nature of her heroines, and Mari did not disappoint. In spite of the dangers she faced, our leading lady did not give up, rather used the knowledge she had to survive. It is a sad reflection on society today that such knowledge is needed, but this book serves as a reminder to always find ways to fight back and to challenge those who would hurt us.
What I really liked about Wells was how he didn't take over, he didn't play a big hero with all the answers, rather her help Mari take back her life.
As always Jessica has included secondary characters who make readers want to know more about.
The Survivor was the perfect read for a lazy Sunday morning.
What I really liked about Wells was how he didn't take over, he didn't play a big hero with all the answers, rather her help Mari take back her life.
As always Jessica has included secondary characters who make readers want to know more about.
The Survivor was the perfect read for a lazy Sunday morning.
December 28, 2023
This was such a good book. The Survivor was a standalone set in the NB Universe, so we did get snippets of previous characters but it wasn't anything that would make you feel like you were missing a piece of the story. Loved that.
Mari is a true crime girly who survives the attack of a serial killer. Wells is the detective on her case. Even though Wells was the lead on the case and he did feel a pull towards Mari he didn't have a savior complex and that was refreshing. I loved how he helped Mari take back her life instead of trying to control all the aspects in order to keep her safe.
I'm very intrigued by Gawen and hopefully we get a book about him!
Mari is a true crime girly who survives the attack of a serial killer. Wells is the detective on her case. Even though Wells was the lead on the case and he did feel a pull towards Mari he didn't have a savior complex and that was refreshing. I loved how he helped Mari take back her life instead of trying to control all the aspects in order to keep her safe.
I'm very intrigued by Gawen and hopefully we get a book about him!
December 21, 2023
This book made my true crime heart go pitter patter. The author never fails to deliver a well rounded story. Her females mains are strong yet can be vulnerable. Mari was just this woman. She was vigilant, she was prepared and when the unthinkable happened, she fought back. I have never been so proud to be a woman.
The world building in JG’s books is top notch. We’ve met some of the baddies in the Navesink universe and this time we got to meet the detective. He was just as interesting as the others.
I loved this exciting read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The world building in JG’s books is top notch. We’ve met some of the baddies in the Navesink universe and this time we got to meet the detective. He was just as interesting as the others.
I loved this exciting read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 13, 2024
LOVED IT!
December 11, 2023
Excellent
A great book. Good from the start right to the end. Good characters and storyline along with some good twists and turns plus suspense and action. Very enjoyable.
A great book. Good from the start right to the end. Good characters and storyline along with some good twists and turns plus suspense and action. Very enjoyable.
December 11, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
Slightly predictable but still a great read. Love JG books 💕💕💕
Slightly predictable but still a great read. Love JG books 💕💕💕
January 6, 2024
Prvo sam bila ljuta što je priča kratka, ali zapravo mi je drago mi je da nije punila knjigu nepotrebnim stvarima. Ovako je kratka ali slatka. Čista petica.
January 26, 2024
One of my absolute favorite books. I wish I could read it all over again for the first time. Great writing!
January 24, 2024
I enjoy all Jess Gadziala books though this one gave me pause several times though not actual triggering but Reacting and being helpless vs fighting with all you can until your last breath is SO very different for victims due to the circumstances. I settled in to continuing reading because I did understand this was the H reaction, not pointing fingers at others, like ' we all should/ or should have done this tactic', Its not what Ms. Gadziala was doing here. I'm glad I read it though I gave it a 4 ( my only one ever to one of her books due to the possible triggers to females reading this unsuspecting.
January 26, 2024
Exciting Fast Read
This was about the woman who saved herself. I absolutely loved Mari. Not just the victim, she did everything to save herself and the detective that she fell for.
This was about the woman who saved herself. I absolutely loved Mari. Not just the victim, she did everything to save herself and the detective that she fell for.
January 20, 2024
ENJOYED THIS BOOK
This was a nice change from Jessica’s usual characters and very enjoyable. I loved that the main characters were so likable…,well, except for the serial killer! True crime is the focus of Mari’s life and her obsession saves her life. It also allows her to fall in love with the lead detective.
Worth reading this book!
This was a nice change from Jessica’s usual characters and very enjoyable. I loved that the main characters were so likable…,well, except for the serial killer! True crime is the focus of Mari’s life and her obsession saves her life. It also allows her to fall in love with the lead detective.
Worth reading this book!
December 14, 2023
We've been waiting for a glimpse in to the Navesink Bank PD for a while now. The PD are known, from the other books set in Navesink Bank, as good guys who turn a (sometimes paid for) blind eye to the local organised criminal element.
Detective Wells Vaughn has appeared as a side character in a few book over the years. He is not one of the police on the take, but he does concentrate his efforts on the criminals that attack innocents.
Mari is new(ish) to town and a true crime junkie who finds herself in a killers crosshairs.
When Wells is called to the newest victim of a serial rapist and killer he is gobsmacked to find her pretty much in one piece. The attraction between Wells and Mari is one that catches them both by surprise.
I loved Mari's character, no artifice from her, just honesty, passion and an unending will to survive. However, the Silent Sadist isn't one to walk away from a unfinished victim. Can Wells keep her safe and catch the culprit?
As always the side characters (including the dogs) flesh out the well rounded story and leave us waiting to see who's story will be next, my vote is for Gawen!
Great start to the legal side of Navesink Bank. Loved the check in with 'Crime Time' Poppy and the epilogues always give a sense of satisfaction to a story well finished, while leaving us ready for the next.
Detective Wells Vaughn has appeared as a side character in a few book over the years. He is not one of the police on the take, but he does concentrate his efforts on the criminals that attack innocents.
Mari is new(ish) to town and a true crime junkie who finds herself in a killers crosshairs.
When Wells is called to the newest victim of a serial rapist and killer he is gobsmacked to find her pretty much in one piece. The attraction between Wells and Mari is one that catches them both by surprise.
I loved Mari's character, no artifice from her, just honesty, passion and an unending will to survive. However, the Silent Sadist isn't one to walk away from a unfinished victim. Can Wells keep her safe and catch the culprit?
As always the side characters (including the dogs) flesh out the well rounded story and leave us waiting to see who's story will be next, my vote is for Gawen!
Great start to the legal side of Navesink Bank. Loved the check in with 'Crime Time' Poppy and the epilogues always give a sense of satisfaction to a story well finished, while leaving us ready for the next.
December 13, 2023
I’ve been waiting to see if we would delve into the NBPD. I love that Jessica Gadziala wrote Mari as her own hero. She used her knowledge to save herself not waiting to be rescued. While having the self awareness to ask and accept help during a difficult situation. The one criticism I have is that both characters seemed to have a very surface existence. I by no means want to say introverts or people who enjoy their solitude aren’t people who exist. It just doesn’t make for a very rich story building read when the main characters have no definitive close relationships or community.
Spoiler Alert!
Mari’s family just accepting a phone call of “I’m ok” when she survived a potential deathly attack from an active serial killer and no one comes to make sure she’s alright or calls her with any regularity to check in? Reads as your family is trash even though she supposedly has a close enough relationship that she they are active in her life. Police are familial in general and there being no active community for Wells after being on the NBPD for a decade? This read very 2D and didn’t really give any weight to his story so we cared more about Wells & Mari as a couple. This was a good read and I hope the author decides to spend some time here.
Spoiler Alert!
Mari’s family just accepting a phone call of “I’m ok” when she survived a potential deathly attack from an active serial killer and no one comes to make sure she’s alright or calls her with any regularity to check in? Reads as your family is trash even though she supposedly has a close enough relationship that she they are active in her life. Police are familial in general and there being no active community for Wells after being on the NBPD for a decade? This read very 2D and didn’t really give any weight to his story so we cared more about Wells & Mari as a couple. This was a good read and I hope the author decides to spend some time here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2024
Awesome
Love this author and everything she writes. Wells and Mari meet when he investigates a crime that involves her. Ser in the town from another series,this one has drama,intrigue and love. Highly recommend 🖤❤️
Love this author and everything she writes. Wells and Mari meet when he investigates a crime that involves her. Ser in the town from another series,this one has drama,intrigue and love. Highly recommend 🖤❤️
January 3, 2024
An “Okay” Romantic Thriller
This book was a bit of a switch up for Jessica Gadziala and the premise was very interesting. Mari is definitely a kick ass heroine with amazing strength and tenacity. The action at the beginning of the book was great and then again towards the end. The middle, however, really fell short. When the author could have taken the time to build up suspense and keep us guessing as to the villain’s next move, she chose to focus on the budding romance between Mari and Wells. The attacker gets pushed to the back of the story until he makes a reappearance in the last chapter. The main point of the book became an afterthought which was disappointing. 2.5 stars.
This book was a bit of a switch up for Jessica Gadziala and the premise was very interesting. Mari is definitely a kick ass heroine with amazing strength and tenacity. The action at the beginning of the book was great and then again towards the end. The middle, however, really fell short. When the author could have taken the time to build up suspense and keep us guessing as to the villain’s next move, she chose to focus on the budding romance between Mari and Wells. The attacker gets pushed to the back of the story until he makes a reappearance in the last chapter. The main point of the book became an afterthought which was disappointing. 2.5 stars.
December 12, 2023
1000000/10
huge true crime girl and a huge jessica gadziala girl. this book is the perfect combo of both. chefs kiss. if i could give it 10 stars i would. i read it in 1 night and have 0 regrets. i loved mari. she felt so relatable with her true crime obsession. wells was just the perfect man. we love a good cop. i also enjoyed the podcast blurbs, really made me feel like i was listening to a true crime one. also really enjoyed back in nb and this pov from the police. i loved the balance of romance and thriller/ mystery, it kept me guessing. hope we get more books written in this theme!!!
huge true crime girl and a huge jessica gadziala girl. this book is the perfect combo of both. chefs kiss. if i could give it 10 stars i would. i read it in 1 night and have 0 regrets. i loved mari. she felt so relatable with her true crime obsession. wells was just the perfect man. we love a good cop. i also enjoyed the podcast blurbs, really made me feel like i was listening to a true crime one. also really enjoyed back in nb and this pov from the police. i loved the balance of romance and thriller/ mystery, it kept me guessing. hope we get more books written in this theme!!!
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