What do you get when you have a fragile psyche, a knack for self-sabotage, and a slew of mommy issues? Killer instincts.
The battle of the mind can rage the most extensive war. That’s what Rue’s therapist always told her, and she was desperate to end the never-ending rug from being pulled from underneath her.
Determined to leave her troubled history behind, she relocates to Virginia for a fresh start. After significant strides to heal her wounds, Rue falls in love with Wyant Minnick, a seemingly perfect man with few flaws. After almost two years together, she believes she has finally found the love and stability she has craved since childhood. However, her fragile psyche starts to shatter when she discovers a lie that Wyant has been harboring. This devastating revelation sets off a chain of events that could have disastrous consequences for both.
Caught in an internal battle of self-sabotage, Rue transforms into an anti-hero, torn between her desire for a new life and the darkness within her. As the story unfolds, the lines between right and wrong blur, and Rue's secrets come to light. With each page, the suspense intensifies as Rue navigates the intricate web of her mind and grapples with her demons while struggling to come to terms with Wyant's potential betrayal.
In this gripping psychological thriller, delve into the complex world of Rue, a woman seeking solace from a haunting past. This captivating tale will have you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to unravel the mystery that will keep your mind guessing until the end.
D.W. Cole resides in Richmond, Virginia, with her fiancé “Panda” and their three children.
D.W. Cole is a psych-thriller/mystery author known for her debut novella, Rotten Fruit. With a passion for writing outside of the box and mixing methods and styles of writing, she captivates readers with her unique storytelling and her ability to tackle tough subjects in new creative prose.
She is dedicated to connecting with readers and can be found on the following platforms:
the mommy issues????? RELATABLE!! this book is so different from anything I’ve read and I could not put it down. LOVED IT!! I NEED MORE FROM AUTHOR COLE YASSSS
This book!!! Oh my god this book!! Relatable, heartbreaking, shocking. God! My heart hurts! Trauma really does leave the deepest of scars.. if you need me I’ll be in a blanket fort watching cartoons and healing my inner child.
Are you someone who suffers from mental health and anxiety? If so, the main character in this book will be very relatable to you! Rue is a very strong-willed woman and has faced a lot of obstacles in her life. In the story, you learn about her mental health and how it affects her day-to-day life. The voices in her head have her thinking one way, but her heart has her thinking another. They are in constant battle with each other.
For most of the story, she is hell-bent that her boyfriend is cheating on her and sets out to prove her theory. Along the way, she tells you stories about her past and how they have led up to now. The ending- let's just say OMG!! You have to read it to find out!! This story is so relatable, and a must-read!! It's fast-paced and definitely a book that you can read in one day!
What a wild ride! The flow of the story had me unable to put the book down. It was so very interesting being inside Rue’s head and hearing her trauma and how it affected her and how she self sabotages herself because of it. I resonated with some of her anxious thoughts and feelings.
The last 20% of the book felt like whiplash as all the secrets and lies came to light. I was not expecting any of the plot twist.
I loved DW Cole’s writing and can’t wait to read more by her!
This was the perfect psychological thriller to break up the reading slump I found myself in at the start of November. I picked it up and read until I was forced to put it down by the needs of a 4-year-old who treats me like a jungle gym BUT it had the potential to be done in one day if I had been able to bring my focus back instead of dissociating of short form video (i.e. Tiktok).
Rue is a mixed race woman who feels like she doesn't belong to either side of her being. She grew up with a mother who constantly made it a point to let her know how much of a burden she was. She's got major trust issues and even when she meets a man she finds to be perfect, she believes it's too good to be true because he's got a secret and couldn't possibly love her as much as he says.
The book switches between chapters full of past excerpts and current events and there are poems in between every chapter that give more insight into Rue's mind. I would definitely recommend this book to anybody who thinks they can handle a little dark sprinkled in their books.
I love this author as a writer and human. Her mind is full of fuckery. Twists and turns. She’s dark and delightful and I’m so grateful she’s in my life and shared her completed words. Join the madness and download a copy.
I originally read Rotten Fruit before it was given a title. But then I waited to reread the book and review it until it was released in its full edited form. I have to say, the title is perfect for something so fresh, new and unique that leaves you twisted up in the story of a woman that is trying to come to terms with a past and present that haven't always been kind to her.
Rotten Fruit is told in both past and present timelines from the POV of Rue. In that respect, we can see what led Rue to where she is now and her lack of trust in people that continuously show up for her. Wyant is a man that loves her in all her forms. The good, bad, ugly and broken. He is there to let her be her and to be the comfort she needs. But when the past comes barging in, Rue can't help but think the worst, so she pulls the plug and allows the darkness to come in before anything else can go wrong.
This debut novella was quite interesting and also chaotic in such a unique and entertaining way. I loved how poetry was incorporated into the story and made each chapter flow into the next. The poetry was beautiful but also felt like we got into not only Rue's mind, but also the author's. It may have been some of my favorite parts of the book. While it's obvious that D.W Cole is a fan of Tarryn Fisher and her group of readers that have labeled themselves PLNs, I'm not sure if other readers would fully understand that aspect of the story that was featured so largely.
Overall, this was a very thrilling story that has a distinctive style and a poetic voice. From the ups and downs of the character's arc, to the epic unexpected ending, Rotten Fruit will keep you on your toes and wondering where this story will take you. I'm excited to see what this debut author will write next.
Rotten Fruit is a Must-Read for Thriller Fans Who Love the Unexpected!
Prepare to be blown away! I just finished reading a thriller that defied all my expectations and left me utterly speechless. I'm usually pretty adept at figuring out the twists and turns in books, but this one completely blindsided me. It was like the author had taken my ability to predict and tossed it out the window.
The writing is exquisite, weaving a tapestry of suspense and intrigue that kept me glued to the pages. The author masterfully crafts an atmosphere of palpable tension, drawing you into the story's depths and making you feel every emotion alongside the characters.
And the ending... oh, that ending! It was so unexpected, so perfectly executed, that it left me reeling. I had to close the book and take a moment to collect myself, trying to process the sheer brilliance of what I had just read.
If you're seeking a thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page, a story that will shatter your expectations and leave you breathless, then this book is an absolute must-read. It's a testament to the author's mastery of the genre, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next!
I received Rotten Fruit as an ARC, and this is my review.
A psychological thriller that will leave you feeling the stress and anxiety of its MFC. Rue deals with mental health issues, and her trauma from her past often haunts her as she struggles to live her life in the present. With a plot twist I didn't see coming, Rotten Fruit had me guessing till the end and going back to previous chapters, wondering how I missed it! Praise to D.W. Cole and her ability to create a character that I felt I actually could relate to. Rotten Fruit will either leave you up reading at night or leave you tossing and turning as you sleep thinking about it!
What did I just read?! Wow! This is a psychological thriller that will keep you on your toes! It was so good! I didn’t know where this story was headed. I kept trying to guess what was going to happen next. Definitely not what I was expecting and I loved that! This a short novella and yes, it is worth the read! I am of fan of author D.W. Cole and look forward to reading more of her work.
I won an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
I was pulled in from the first chapter. This author did an amazing job. I loved her writing style, and you really feel like you're inside rues head with her inner monologue. The plot twists had my jaw ON THE FLOOR! Not once, did I think it was going to end the way it did and boy was I surprised. I'm definitely re-reading this and looking forward to what's next for the author.
A great start (novella) for a budding author! The flashbacks were a little jarring at times, but overall, the story was well written.
My favorites: duckie and dandelion (you'll know when you get to those parts of the story) My favorite line of the book: "Staying in the darkness can rob you of all the light you deserve."
Everyone is deserving of light for you come from light. Your light is up to you and no one else. Light up your life!
Really enjoyed the ARC of this novella— I read it twice and picked up on even more the second time around. I highly recommend the read for anyone likes thrillers, twists and turns. The author was able to create a vivid picture for the reader and her writing read like poetry and included some much loved quotes from another favorite author. The only thing I could say is that I wish it was longer!! Looking forward to more from DW Cole in the future.
Rue definitely has some mental health issues that she deals with daily, so what happens when an important person in her life may not be exactly what she thought?
Rotten fruit is fast-paced and will most likely mess with your head a little bit!
Cole is a beautiful writer. Her language matches how I speak, making the book an easy and fun read. My only issue is with the transitions. It would take me a page or two to realize we jumped in time. However, the ending kind of eluded to her mental health, making you think this is exactly how her mind works. It's kind of heartbreaking. Great fast read.
Are you ready for a ride? This book deals with the desire to feel loved while also feeling unworthy. Mental health issues weave seamlessly through Rue’s life, trying to take her down, as if she isn’t already her own worst enemy. She is the discarded family member. The cousin you hear about, but never see. The sibling you try to forget exists because all they bring is chaos. She knows she is seen as such, yet still perseveres, trying to find her place in the world. Trying to make room for love.
Rotten Fruit delves into Rue’s mind, taking us on a journey through her past and present, giving us a glimpse into the inner workings of her mind. A childhood of neglect has led Rue to doubt her worth and question everything. If only Rue could see herself through others eyes, she would understand the beauty and depth of love that she is capable of. Will she see her worth in time? That’s for me to know and you to find out. Seriously, such a great psychological thriller novella!
This book is a must read if you have ever wondered what its like to live inside (or with) a broken mind. The depth and understanding of mental health that is covered in this book makes you want to hold Rue close and tell her it will all be okay.
Well done D. W. Cole!
Thank you for the ARC and trusting me with your words. 🖤
I absolutely loved this the story was fantastic and I loved the poetry!!! I did not see the plot twist coming. I definitely related to the self sabotaging of the main female character. This was well done.
I SUPPORT WOMENS RIGHTS BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY I SUPPORT THEIR WRONGS!!!!
Rue had a difficult life and an even harder time feeling loved. That is until she met Wyant, who made her feel seen and loved in a way she never thought she'd experience...that is until he betrays her and the feeling of being unwanted resurfaces.
Oh Rue, my Rue, my beautiful, messed up, disaster of a Rue! Rue is one of the most complex characters I've ever had the pleasure of reading in a novella. She is kind and brilliant and shrouded in a darkness she tries so hard to fight. Many qualities which I found easy to relate to.
I felt Rue on (almost) every level. From her inability to trust to her doubts. I love that this novella represents culture so well and more importantly that it portrays mental illness. Through all her wrong doings Rue was a beautiful mess!
This book had me at the edge of my seat!! I wanted to finish and wanted the story to last forever. I did not see that plot twist coming at all and that is rare for me! Cole is brilliant in her story telling, the novella felt lyrical and like a confession between friends, I can't wait to see what she does next!
My only problem with this story is that I need it to be a full length novel. GIVE ME MORE.
🖤Rue is determined to leave her past behind her and move forward with her life. Wyant is the perfect man that refuses to give up on Rue, regardless of the mental fight she constantly has within herself. But when she catches him in a lie, the little voices in her head take over. 🖤Struggling the war with the demons in her own mind turns a once happy life into a rotten one 🖤For both of them
The reactions I had with this book!! ALL OF THEM! This is an absolute gripping psychological thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat. You will NEVER see what is coming. I love that some of the chapters were poems rather than full chapters. They were written so beautifully!!
I got the opportunity to ARC read this for the wonderful author. Rotten Fruit is a psychological thriller that will send you for a wild ride. We watch Rue, our FMC, who is working through mental health issues. Or rather, we watch the mental health issues work through her as she pieces together what she believes to be the ultimate betrayal. While I did see one plot twist coming, the other completely caught me by surprise. I initially rated this as a 4, but as I sat with it and kept thinking about it it definitely became a 4.5. Though, I read it in it's early editing stages and I have no doubt that when I read the final product this will jump up to a 5.
The mental health, racial and relationship issues tackled within this almost hurt to think about. Being of mixed race myself I resonated with Rue and her internal struggle of self discovery.
Rue is of mixed race and doesn’t feel like she belongs to either side. She had a rough upbringing because he mom regrets having her. Because of this, she wants to be a light in the world, but he darkness keeps holding her back.
When Rue meets Wyant, she thinks he’s perfect! But her trust issues start getting in the way. Is Wyant really the man she thought he was?
The back and forth of the timelines was pretty easy to follow until the last few chapters. I loved the poems between the chapters because you got to see another side of the author.
I do wish the book was longer, but it’s the perfect length for a novella. I think this would fall into the psychological thriller genre but it doesn’t fit perfectly.
This book bends the rules on physiological thrillers. It’s real, raw, and infuriating, but it’s exactly what the mind of a severely ill person would sound like. If you’ve ever struggled with mental health, you’ve probably experienced some of the thoughts Rue has. She’s convinced she knows the truth about the reality of her life, but throughout the story you get glimpses of her past. The way her mind constantly sets her up for the worst case scenario and how brutal our own thoughts can be are depicted in such a poetic way that it leaves you feeling like you could be Rue. For me personally, I could have been Rue. I could have suffered as much and let my mind be my demise. And the ending 🤯 it’s just really well done and for anyone with mental health struggles, Rue will resonate with you.
I have been sitting on this trying to think about the correct way to write a review for this book. 🫣 I think I’m disappointed I didn’t see that coming 😂😩
The ending was 😳 I definitely wasn’t expecting that. You know as girls we always tend to be suspicious of the guy…. He must be doing something shady, or he must be messing around etc. no matter what we always tend to go comfort the girl who’s going through all this.
Now let me tell you! BOY WAS I WRONG!!! This was a definitely dark romance 🖤 it was short and to the point. This was definitely a “fun” read. (I don’t know how else to explain it). It was a ride I tell you. The fact that I wanted to stop reading it so it wouldn’t end. I loved it. 😍
I went into this book completely blind and I had to put it down several times before I could finish it. The abusive treatment by Rue’s mother was so very hard to read. This story also gave me a different perspective on what someone goes through on the daily that we don’t see or want to see. It is very heartbreaking. Then ending definitely surprised me and I was questioning what I just read.
Mental health is so important and it can be extremely fragile. Healthy communication is key. This definitely had me thinking about so many things. I will have to read it again because it just is that type of book.
I have read some GOOD psychological thrillers, so when I tell you I was mind f*cked! 🤯 The balance of sweet, loving, helpful Rue and deranged Rue was captivating. D.W. Cole really has shown her strength as an author in this debut novella. The way that she has created depth in these characters, while also creating a connection with her readers left me wanting more. She leaves you with a balance of closure and cliffhangers that makes you want to re-read immediately, just to make sure you absorb all the goodness. I am so excited to see what else comes from this emerging author.
An amazing psychological thriller. I was so happy to get to read an advanced copy! It is so well written that you feel like you know Rue and connect with her, then it took a turn that I was not expecting. I love a good thriller and the twist toward the end of the book threw me, just awesome. I did not expect that ending to go that way! I love books that stay with you and this one is sticking with me. I can’t wait to read more from D.W. Cole! Thank you again for letting me read your first book!!!!!