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Hunted #1
The Status Debt
Lillian Morgan would do anything to regain the status she lost by marrying beneath her and to cover the sordid details of her husband’s death. This includes blackmail and the hand of marriage of her own daughter...
Tori’s father would have stopped his daughter’s misery. He’d have stopped it in a heartbeat, but he couldn’t because he was dead. He’d been dead for years.
Murdered, in fact.
Tori thought her life couldn’t get much worse, but when her fiancé attempts to further his high-profile career, she finds herself mixed up with Ash Hunter and his crew - the sort of people she has always despised and blames for her father’s death. She hates Ash Hunter and the feeling is mutual, but life moves in mysterious ways and things unexpectedly change.
Someone is not being honest and secrets have the power to rip everyone to shreds.
Especially when life is built on lies...
**Contains sexual scenes and some violence.**
643 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2019
177 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Edie Baylis
24 books91 followersOver the years Edie has worked all over the UK, as well as in several other countries and has met a lot of interesting people - several of whom have supplied ideas for some of the characters in her books! She has now settled back in central England with her partner and children, where she is pursuing her writing.
Edie writes gritty gangland and urban fiction and her series so far include her latest - the Scarred series, the Allegiance series, the Retribution series, Hunted series and Downfall series.
When she isn’t writing, Edie enjoys reading and is a self-confessed book hoarder. She also enjoys crochet and music as well as loving anything quirky or unusual.
For all news and updates and to join the mailing list visit www.ediebaylis.co.uk or follow Edie on Twitter @ediebaylis and Facebook
Edie writes gritty gangland and urban fiction and her series so far include her latest - the Scarred series, the Allegiance series, the Retribution series, Hunted series and Downfall series.
When she isn’t writing, Edie enjoys reading and is a self-confessed book hoarder. She also enjoys crochet and music as well as loving anything quirky or unusual.
For all news and updates and to join the mailing list visit www.ediebaylis.co.uk or follow Edie on Twitter @ediebaylis and Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 25, 2020
Victoria is caught between a rock and a hard place. Her mother who would do anything to regain her status in the community after her husband was murdered turns to blackmail to ensure that Victoria marries well.
Unfortunately the man she is to marry is an abuser, physically and mentally. She doesn't know how to free herself from this monster.
And then she meets Ashley Hunter .. president of a club that has been known for its drug dealing ways. She and Hunter don't particularly like each other .. but life moves in mysterious ways and things unexpectedly change.
There's lot of secrets, lots of lies. some which have the power to shred the very foundation of their lives.
This is a fast-paced page turner with deftly drawn characters. There may be some triggers for some readers .... rape, physical domestic abuse ... drug use ..... The romantic interludes are explicit and very spicy.
This is book 1 of a 3-book trilogy. There is a huge cliff hanger leading to book 2 ... but the good news is that THE FAMILY LEGACY (BOOK 2) is already available .. .no waiting. And they positively should be read in order.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial /Netgalley for this Romantic Suspense Plus. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
Unfortunately the man she is to marry is an abuser, physically and mentally. She doesn't know how to free herself from this monster.
And then she meets Ashley Hunter .. president of a club that has been known for its drug dealing ways. She and Hunter don't particularly like each other .. but life moves in mysterious ways and things unexpectedly change.
There's lot of secrets, lots of lies. some which have the power to shred the very foundation of their lives.
This is a fast-paced page turner with deftly drawn characters. There may be some triggers for some readers .... rape, physical domestic abuse ... drug use ..... The romantic interludes are explicit and very spicy.
This is book 1 of a 3-book trilogy. There is a huge cliff hanger leading to book 2 ... but the good news is that THE FAMILY LEGACY (BOOK 2) is already available .. .no waiting. And they positively should be read in order.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial /Netgalley for this Romantic Suspense Plus. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions are unbiased and entirely my own.
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February 7, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/7/2020)! 🎁
June 24, 2019
Very suspenseful new series from this author.
From reading other works of hers, I’ve grown a liking for her style. The way she focus on character development to drive her plot makes it not only easy to connect to the characters but also to become invested in the story itself. In this story, I felt for Tori. Even though she was always surrounded with people, they were people who didn’t appreciate her, people who wanted to use her for their own personal gain.
Watching as she slowly changed from a sweet girl into a bitter woman was heartbreaking because the transformation was done in such a real manner. Between her mother and her new abusive fiancé, it was no wonder the change happened.
Will keep you emotionally invested until the very last page.
From reading other works of hers, I’ve grown a liking for her style. The way she focus on character development to drive her plot makes it not only easy to connect to the characters but also to become invested in the story itself. In this story, I felt for Tori. Even though she was always surrounded with people, they were people who didn’t appreciate her, people who wanted to use her for their own personal gain.
Watching as she slowly changed from a sweet girl into a bitter woman was heartbreaking because the transformation was done in such a real manner. Between her mother and her new abusive fiancé, it was no wonder the change happened.
Will keep you emotionally invested until the very last page.
June 10, 2019
An unputdownable new series from Edie Baylis! From page one, I got so involved with the characters, I couldn’t turn pages fast enough to see how it all plays out for them. Tori, who loses her father in a tragic accident, won my heart right away. It was devastating to watch how she, a sweet, kind girl who only wanted a normal life for herself, was forced by her controlling mother who is obsessed with money and status, into an arranged marriage with Matt, her wealthy friends’ son. As Tori’s personality was being chipped away by her abusive fiancé, money-hungry mother, her soon-to-be in-laws, and Matt’s friends, she is slowly turning into a mere shell of her former self, and her inner thoughts of how she, perhaps, deserved it all, broke my heart on numerous occasions.
However, it all changes when Tori meets Hunter, a president of a biker club - the man, whose property Matt is very interested in. Torn between duty to her family and the man who made her feel love for the first time, she’ll have to decide, and fast, where her alliances lie.
The story is delivered so masterfully, you’ll actually feel like you know all of these characters once you’re done reading. Also, what I appreciated the most, this story will make you feel. You’ll be angry and most likely want to punch Matt in his smug face quite a few times; you’ll feel desperate and worthless and maybe shed a tear along with Tori; you’ll feel gratitude along with her for having friends like Sarah who never fail to stand up for what is right; and you’ll most definitely feel love and passion as sparks begin to fly between Hunter and Tori. I’m already hooked and can’t wait for the new book in the series! Gritty, steamy, and real - a true five star read.
However, it all changes when Tori meets Hunter, a president of a biker club - the man, whose property Matt is very interested in. Torn between duty to her family and the man who made her feel love for the first time, she’ll have to decide, and fast, where her alliances lie.
The story is delivered so masterfully, you’ll actually feel like you know all of these characters once you’re done reading. Also, what I appreciated the most, this story will make you feel. You’ll be angry and most likely want to punch Matt in his smug face quite a few times; you’ll feel desperate and worthless and maybe shed a tear along with Tori; you’ll feel gratitude along with her for having friends like Sarah who never fail to stand up for what is right; and you’ll most definitely feel love and passion as sparks begin to fly between Hunter and Tori. I’m already hooked and can’t wait for the new book in the series! Gritty, steamy, and real - a true five star read.
November 5, 2019
The status debt by Edie Bayliss.
Lillian Morgan would do anything to regain the status she lost by marrying beneath her and to cover the sordid details of her husband’s death. This includes blackmail and the hand of marriage of her own daughter...
Tori’s father would have stopped his daughter’s misery. He’d have stopped it in a heartbeat, but he couldn’t because he was dead. He’d been dead for years.
Murdered, in fact.
Tori thought her life couldn’t get much worse, but when her fiancé attempts to further his high-profile career, she finds herself mixed up with Ash Hunter and his crew - the sort of people she has always despised and blames for her father’s death. She hates Ash Hunter and the feeling is mutual, but life moves in mysterious ways and things unexpectedly change.
Someone is not being honest and secrets have the power to rip everyone to shreds.
Especially when life is built on lies...
A good read with some good characters. Little slow but soon picked up. Cant wait for the next book. 5*.
Lillian Morgan would do anything to regain the status she lost by marrying beneath her and to cover the sordid details of her husband’s death. This includes blackmail and the hand of marriage of her own daughter...
Tori’s father would have stopped his daughter’s misery. He’d have stopped it in a heartbeat, but he couldn’t because he was dead. He’d been dead for years.
Murdered, in fact.
Tori thought her life couldn’t get much worse, but when her fiancé attempts to further his high-profile career, she finds herself mixed up with Ash Hunter and his crew - the sort of people she has always despised and blames for her father’s death. She hates Ash Hunter and the feeling is mutual, but life moves in mysterious ways and things unexpectedly change.
Someone is not being honest and secrets have the power to rip everyone to shreds.
Especially when life is built on lies...
A good read with some good characters. Little slow but soon picked up. Cant wait for the next book. 5*.
June 10, 2019
A gripping emotional gut-wrenching thriller.
Victoria and Hunter. Wow, I would have to say out of all the books I've read in this genre these are my two favorite characters. Two different classes, two different souls, and two people whom are set up to clash.
The story itself is a twisting kind of wonderful. There's no gaps, no skimming pages, and no question about what's going on. This book had me in its grips as soon as I was introduced to Hunter, And my interest never faltered.
I gave the Status Debt five stars because it made me feel whatever the characters were feeling, and it takes strong writing to achieve that. Kudos to the author. I'm waiting not so patiently for the next book.
Victoria and Hunter. Wow, I would have to say out of all the books I've read in this genre these are my two favorite characters. Two different classes, two different souls, and two people whom are set up to clash.
The story itself is a twisting kind of wonderful. There's no gaps, no skimming pages, and no question about what's going on. This book had me in its grips as soon as I was introduced to Hunter, And my interest never faltered.
I gave the Status Debt five stars because it made me feel whatever the characters were feeling, and it takes strong writing to achieve that. Kudos to the author. I'm waiting not so patiently for the next book.
July 25, 2019
I'd like to thank this author for personally sucking the soul out of my marrow for the last two days. I could not put this book down, it was SO good. It made me cry, something a book has not done in ten years. I hope to God there is a sequel to this story.
April 29, 2020
I loved this book! It’s refreshingly different from 90% of the thrillers/suspense I’ve read which all seem very similar, but with this one I was on the edge of my seat with the twists and schemes and the general originality of the story.
Tori Morgan’s mother, Lillian, has gone to great pains to hide that her husband (Tori’s father) was murdered, allegedly because of his involvement with dodgy dealing. Being from an upper class family, Lillian was desperate not to let this stain on her family affect her status in the society she believed all important. So important that she was willing to do anything to make this happen, including arranging marriage for Tori to the son of an equally materialistic and horrible couple, Richard and Susan (who had their own agenda).
Matt, (Tori’s fiancé) is like his father, a nasty piece of work and between him and his horrible friends, treats Tori in a revolting fashion. Tori hates Matt and doesn’t want to marry him, but being as she’s so bogged down and lacking in confidence, she feels she has no choice and just has to put up with it.
Matt’s greed drags him into dealings with the Reapers (a local motorbike gang) in an attempt to cash in from peddling drugs to his rich mates and also with helping his career at the bank by securing a property the Reapers own. Matt’s plans of how to gain possession of the building involves using Tori in unsavoury ways, but his plan doesn’t go quite the way he wants.
Hunter, the president of the Reapers, although a hard and violent man, has a heart and also a conscience despite what he has done in the past and finds himself, regardless of his reservations and personal issues, falling for Tori and the feeling is mutual.
I won’t say anything more about the story as I don’t want to spoil it, but a tangled web of lies, betrayal, blackmail, hurt, hope and love is mixed within the pages and I found it very difficult to put down. There are plenty of very hot scenes, violence and some things that some people might feel uncomfortable with –in my opinion, a top class mix of thriller/suspense and romantic suspense, not like anything I’ve read before.
I also loved how things were made clear to the reader whilst leaving the characters tying themselves in knots working out who was behind things, trapped in a cycle of suspicion. I felt this was a uniquely original way of doing things. I found myself getting quite agitated about what half the characters were doing and it’s not very often a book gets under my skin like that, so I was extremely impressed.
The book is fast paced, well written and told from multiple points of view, with every emotion you can think of dripping from the characters. Although it does not end on a cliffhanger as such, the story certainly does not finish anywhere near like I thought it might and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Tori Morgan’s mother, Lillian, has gone to great pains to hide that her husband (Tori’s father) was murdered, allegedly because of his involvement with dodgy dealing. Being from an upper class family, Lillian was desperate not to let this stain on her family affect her status in the society she believed all important. So important that she was willing to do anything to make this happen, including arranging marriage for Tori to the son of an equally materialistic and horrible couple, Richard and Susan (who had their own agenda).
Matt, (Tori’s fiancé) is like his father, a nasty piece of work and between him and his horrible friends, treats Tori in a revolting fashion. Tori hates Matt and doesn’t want to marry him, but being as she’s so bogged down and lacking in confidence, she feels she has no choice and just has to put up with it.
Matt’s greed drags him into dealings with the Reapers (a local motorbike gang) in an attempt to cash in from peddling drugs to his rich mates and also with helping his career at the bank by securing a property the Reapers own. Matt’s plans of how to gain possession of the building involves using Tori in unsavoury ways, but his plan doesn’t go quite the way he wants.
Hunter, the president of the Reapers, although a hard and violent man, has a heart and also a conscience despite what he has done in the past and finds himself, regardless of his reservations and personal issues, falling for Tori and the feeling is mutual.
I won’t say anything more about the story as I don’t want to spoil it, but a tangled web of lies, betrayal, blackmail, hurt, hope and love is mixed within the pages and I found it very difficult to put down. There are plenty of very hot scenes, violence and some things that some people might feel uncomfortable with –in my opinion, a top class mix of thriller/suspense and romantic suspense, not like anything I’ve read before.
I also loved how things were made clear to the reader whilst leaving the characters tying themselves in knots working out who was behind things, trapped in a cycle of suspicion. I felt this was a uniquely original way of doing things. I found myself getting quite agitated about what half the characters were doing and it’s not very often a book gets under my skin like that, so I was extremely impressed.
The book is fast paced, well written and told from multiple points of view, with every emotion you can think of dripping from the characters. Although it does not end on a cliffhanger as such, the story certainly does not finish anywhere near like I thought it might and I’m very much looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
July 15, 2019
While I enjoyed previous books by this author, this one is even better. It draws you in and doesn’t let you go. She leaves enough breadcrumbs for you to guess what will happen, but not how, and not everything happens the way you think it will. This book is more about the journey than the destination. And what a journey! It contains interesting characters that are likeable or hateable and both the story and the settings are believable.
I have a waterproof cover for my Kindle so I can read in the bath. I was so engrossed in my reading I didn’t realise the water had gone cold.
This book didn’t end the way I wanted it to, but I’m not disappointed because it is left open for a follow-up, which I can’t wait to read.
I have a waterproof cover for my Kindle so I can read in the bath. I was so engrossed in my reading I didn’t realise the water had gone cold.
This book didn’t end the way I wanted it to, but I’m not disappointed because it is left open for a follow-up, which I can’t wait to read.
May 16, 2020
Victoria, or Tori, as everyone calls her, lost her father when she was a little girl, murdered in unknown circumstances. Her mother hid everything about their past. She even changed Tori’s last name to her maiden’ name all in the name of appearances.
As an adult, Tori finds herself engaged with a man who insults and humiliates her at every occasion, controlled by a status-conscious mother who never cared for her. Until Hunter enters in her life to change it completely. For good and for bad.
The Status Debt by Edie Bylis is an intense romantic thriller with well-rounded characters. Most of them are detestable ones. And I love detesting characters. It’s not a good story without a good villain and here there are plenty of villains to choose from.
When I purchased the book I was intrigued by the idea of reading a thriller, but I must warn the reader that the book is mostly about romance and sex, including non-consensual sex. If sex and romance are what you’re looking for then you’re gonna love this book.
As an adult, Tori finds herself engaged with a man who insults and humiliates her at every occasion, controlled by a status-conscious mother who never cared for her. Until Hunter enters in her life to change it completely. For good and for bad.
The Status Debt by Edie Bylis is an intense romantic thriller with well-rounded characters. Most of them are detestable ones. And I love detesting characters. It’s not a good story without a good villain and here there are plenty of villains to choose from.
When I purchased the book I was intrigued by the idea of reading a thriller, but I must warn the reader that the book is mostly about romance and sex, including non-consensual sex. If sex and romance are what you’re looking for then you’re gonna love this book.
December 30, 2019
Great start to a new series
This is a suspense thriller with crime and romance threads, and as I've read 'Escaping The Past' from the Downfall Series, I knew I'd be in for an intense read. I wasn't disappointed. The story is centred on Tori, and her controlling mother, Lilian, who is seeking to recover her social standing by using Tori as her pawn. Her future husband and his clan are nightmares for Tori and it seems everything is stacked against her. How will she get on? The suspense is palpable, and the characters are well drawn in their particular situations, with a mix of characters you like, and some you like to hate. The plot moves along smartly. All in all, I was turning the pages to find out what next for Tori. Recommended.
This is a suspense thriller with crime and romance threads, and as I've read 'Escaping The Past' from the Downfall Series, I knew I'd be in for an intense read. I wasn't disappointed. The story is centred on Tori, and her controlling mother, Lilian, who is seeking to recover her social standing by using Tori as her pawn. Her future husband and his clan are nightmares for Tori and it seems everything is stacked against her. How will she get on? The suspense is palpable, and the characters are well drawn in their particular situations, with a mix of characters you like, and some you like to hate. The plot moves along smartly. All in all, I was turning the pages to find out what next for Tori. Recommended.
November 3, 2019
I received a copy of this book from the book club reviewers thank you
I love Edies writing and this new series is on track to continue her trend of being a go to author!
I love the characters and they way Edie has created a complex character history for them
A riveting read I’ll be looking for book 2!
I love Edies writing and this new series is on track to continue her trend of being a go to author!
I love the characters and they way Edie has created a complex character history for them
A riveting read I’ll be looking for book 2!
May 27, 2020
This was a very good book. I really like the subject of class and warfare. It had an element of suspense and also an element of romance. It definitely left you wanting more. I can't wait to see what happens in Book 2 of this series.
August 7, 2020
WOW What a Fantastic,Gritty,Addictive book this is,Tori a young girl that has had a sheltered life is left reeling after the death of her beloved dad but her cold hearted mother has plans and tori has no say in them.I have loved this book if i could i would of given 10 stars BRILLIANT.
April 23, 2021
Brilliant
This is the first of EB’s books I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series. Fantastic storyline and a mix of characters meant I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend.
This is the first of EB’s books I’ve read and I can’t wait to read the next instalment in the series. Fantastic storyline and a mix of characters meant I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend.
November 18, 2020
New author for me
Just finished the second book in this series, very much enjoyed the books, looking forward to working my way through them all
Just finished the second book in this series, very much enjoyed the books, looking forward to working my way through them all
February 11, 2020
My Review Of The Status Debt (Hunted) by Edie Baylis
The Status Debt is a gritty, sexually charged, violent psychological thriller. I found Tori to be a very interesting character. She is forced into a life that is influenced by her mother’s need to be respected by high society. However, Tori is strong under her easily controlled personality and throughout the book I wanted her to stand up to her to be husband Matt. I also enjoyed the power balance between Matt, a posh daddy’s lad and Hunter a rough and ready biker member with a heart underneath the distraction caused by him and his crew
The story itself follows Tori as she struggles to accept her life with a controlling future husband and a selfish mother. As her life spirals out of control and the thoughts of who and why her father was murdered race around her mind. Tori is pushed into a world of drugs, lies and abuse. Will Tori get out of her wedding to Matt? Find the truth about her father’s murder? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
One of my favourite characters was Ash Hunter, although he’s done many terrible things, he wants to change. Ash Hunter, I think over time turned himself into a remorseful man that was able to show some good in his heart, but still had a dark streak he wished he didn’t. In contrast, Matt was never remorseful about his abusive ways and would take pleasure in Tori’s pain. I think the author does a great job at twisting who is actually “good” in this book and shows that humans especially under the influence of alcohol and drugs have a very warped sense of right and wrong.
I also liked Sarah’s character. She seemed like a person you’d want on your side. I liked how she saw good in Ash Hunter and his mates when others could not. She also seemed like a fixer and wanted to help Tori even when she rejected her help.
This book is a first in a series so it did leave me with unanswered questions towards the end. However, I enjoyed the dark twists and turns throughout this book and that it was very character-driven. Readers get a good overview of each character and can decide if they liked or disliked the morals and behaviours of characters. I look forward to reading book two in the future and hopefully get the answers to the questions the book one left in my mind.
I would recommend this book if you enjoy character-driven novels, heart-stopping moments and psychological thrillers that creep under your skin. If this sounds like you then give this book a try.
The Status Debt is a gritty, sexually charged, violent psychological thriller. I found Tori to be a very interesting character. She is forced into a life that is influenced by her mother’s need to be respected by high society. However, Tori is strong under her easily controlled personality and throughout the book I wanted her to stand up to her to be husband Matt. I also enjoyed the power balance between Matt, a posh daddy’s lad and Hunter a rough and ready biker member with a heart underneath the distraction caused by him and his crew
The story itself follows Tori as she struggles to accept her life with a controlling future husband and a selfish mother. As her life spirals out of control and the thoughts of who and why her father was murdered race around her mind. Tori is pushed into a world of drugs, lies and abuse. Will Tori get out of her wedding to Matt? Find the truth about her father’s murder? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
One of my favourite characters was Ash Hunter, although he’s done many terrible things, he wants to change. Ash Hunter, I think over time turned himself into a remorseful man that was able to show some good in his heart, but still had a dark streak he wished he didn’t. In contrast, Matt was never remorseful about his abusive ways and would take pleasure in Tori’s pain. I think the author does a great job at twisting who is actually “good” in this book and shows that humans especially under the influence of alcohol and drugs have a very warped sense of right and wrong.
I also liked Sarah’s character. She seemed like a person you’d want on your side. I liked how she saw good in Ash Hunter and his mates when others could not. She also seemed like a fixer and wanted to help Tori even when she rejected her help.
This book is a first in a series so it did leave me with unanswered questions towards the end. However, I enjoyed the dark twists and turns throughout this book and that it was very character-driven. Readers get a good overview of each character and can decide if they liked or disliked the morals and behaviours of characters. I look forward to reading book two in the future and hopefully get the answers to the questions the book one left in my mind.
I would recommend this book if you enjoy character-driven novels, heart-stopping moments and psychological thrillers that creep under your skin. If this sounds like you then give this book a try.
April 22, 2020
I’ve not read this author before but was intrigued by other reviewers excellent ratings. This seemed overly long and hard to get into for me. I was not impressed with the writing style or any of the characters, and it seemed a chore to pick it up to continue.
First let me say this is described as a “thriller with psychological twists.” I read a lot in that genre and did not find the description to be accurate. Tori is the main character, at the insistence of her mother, she is betrothed to an abusive slime ball, Matt, the motive being social status/money. Tori goes along with it but is whiney. Matt is a calculating bully thinking only of himself. She falls for another unsavory character Hunter, who is supposed to be hot, but he runs with a rough crowd and he’s into drugs and killing, ahem... and she’s attracted to that? Is she an air-head or desperate, or what? I kept shaking my head at her choices. Nothing about Hunter sounded appealing to me, but apparently the sex was good enough where she fathomed herself desperately in love after a couple of explicit sexual romps.
The mystery of who killed Tori’s father seemed to take a back seat to what the relationships were about and wasn’t that big of a mystery. This dragged on for me and did not deliver what I’ve come to expect in the suspense/thriller category. Realizing I’m in the minority here with my opinion, I still advise potential readers to download a sample and see if it appeals to you.
I appreciate the opportunity provided me by #netgalley and the publishers to read and post my honest opinion of this work.
First let me say this is described as a “thriller with psychological twists.” I read a lot in that genre and did not find the description to be accurate. Tori is the main character, at the insistence of her mother, she is betrothed to an abusive slime ball, Matt, the motive being social status/money. Tori goes along with it but is whiney. Matt is a calculating bully thinking only of himself. She falls for another unsavory character Hunter, who is supposed to be hot, but he runs with a rough crowd and he’s into drugs and killing, ahem... and she’s attracted to that? Is she an air-head or desperate, or what? I kept shaking my head at her choices. Nothing about Hunter sounded appealing to me, but apparently the sex was good enough where she fathomed herself desperately in love after a couple of explicit sexual romps.
The mystery of who killed Tori’s father seemed to take a back seat to what the relationships were about and wasn’t that big of a mystery. This dragged on for me and did not deliver what I’ve come to expect in the suspense/thriller category. Realizing I’m in the minority here with my opinion, I still advise potential readers to download a sample and see if it appeals to you.
I appreciate the opportunity provided me by #netgalley and the publishers to read and post my honest opinion of this work.
September 2, 2019
The Status Debt by Edie Baylis is a story that’s hard to fit into one genre. Part suspense, part thriller, and part romance, this book is far from predictable. Just when I thought I knew where it was going, there was another twist.
Tori Morgan is forced into an undesired, arranged marriage by her controlling, status-conscious mother. Tori is diminished by her fiancé, Matt, his friends, and her mom, and her self-confidence and self-worth plummet. Tori’s best friend helps her to stand up for herself, and when she meets Ash Hunter, her life changes. Even though Tori and Ash are from different worlds, they fall for each other. For the first time since her dad’s death, she experiences love, light, and empowerment.
Baylis did a great job with character development. I empathized with Tori and even though I’m usually all about peace and love, I wanted to smack Matt upside the head (or even worse!)
Matt attempts a real estate scam. Ash is wise to Matt, but betrayals and blackmail stop the truth from coming out. Secrets tear Ash and Tori apart and set up the next story in the series.
Disclosure…this book contains very hot sex scenes and some violence. A recommended read for those who enjoy suspense, thrillers, and hot romance.
Tori Morgan is forced into an undesired, arranged marriage by her controlling, status-conscious mother. Tori is diminished by her fiancé, Matt, his friends, and her mom, and her self-confidence and self-worth plummet. Tori’s best friend helps her to stand up for herself, and when she meets Ash Hunter, her life changes. Even though Tori and Ash are from different worlds, they fall for each other. For the first time since her dad’s death, she experiences love, light, and empowerment.
Baylis did a great job with character development. I empathized with Tori and even though I’m usually all about peace and love, I wanted to smack Matt upside the head (or even worse!)
Matt attempts a real estate scam. Ash is wise to Matt, but betrayals and blackmail stop the truth from coming out. Secrets tear Ash and Tori apart and set up the next story in the series.
Disclosure…this book contains very hot sex scenes and some violence. A recommended read for those who enjoy suspense, thrillers, and hot romance.
July 28, 2019
I need book 2......Now!!!!
I love Edie Baylis' writing and this story hasn't let me down.
The vindictive web of lies that are woven, the backstabbing, the outstanding loyalty of the characters with genuine hearts and of course, the mega hot chemistry are all just snippets of what makes this an amazing story that I just don't want to come to an end. I suspected one of the heartbreaking twists but didn't want it to be true, nor the way the story finishes! I can't wait for book 2 as I'm not sure my heart can stand being broken for much longer! Highly recommended!
I love Edie Baylis' writing and this story hasn't let me down.
The vindictive web of lies that are woven, the backstabbing, the outstanding loyalty of the characters with genuine hearts and of course, the mega hot chemistry are all just snippets of what makes this an amazing story that I just don't want to come to an end. I suspected one of the heartbreaking twists but didn't want it to be true, nor the way the story finishes! I can't wait for book 2 as I'm not sure my heart can stand being broken for much longer! Highly recommended!
October 28, 2019
Tori is a sweet, likeable soul. Her father was killed years ago for allegedly being involved in drug trafficking, but she can’t quite bring herself to believe this of her beloved Dad. Yet her mother is adamant he wasn’t what he seemed and is hell bent on regaining the ‘status’ she feels she lost by marrying him, no matter what the cost. And the cost is Tori’s forthcoming arranged marriage to the odious controlling and abusive Matt. Tori is being systematically torn apart by her fiancé, her future in-laws and her own mother, all of whom just care about their own situation with absolutely no regard for her.
Then Tori meets Ash Hunter, and her life changes when their two worlds collide. The story that follows is one of deception, murder, betrayal, sorrow, romance, and the most devastating of secrets. The writer keeps the suspense high, and the characters believable. I was so invested in the story and really didn’t want this book to end. However, the ending did set this up nicely for the next book and I hope this develops into a longer series.
If you like to read something a bit different, then this is definitely a book you should try.
Then Tori meets Ash Hunter, and her life changes when their two worlds collide. The story that follows is one of deception, murder, betrayal, sorrow, romance, and the most devastating of secrets. The writer keeps the suspense high, and the characters believable. I was so invested in the story and really didn’t want this book to end. However, the ending did set this up nicely for the next book and I hope this develops into a longer series.
If you like to read something a bit different, then this is definitely a book you should try.
May 2, 2021
Worth a read
First time reading Edie's books but it won't be the last! Just downloaded book two and three of hunter series ,cant wait hear more!
First time reading Edie's books but it won't be the last! Just downloaded book two and three of hunter series ,cant wait hear more!
August 24, 2019
Wow! What a journey
This story had me hooked from the first page. Matt, a conceited rich boy whose father has pushed him into marrying Tori. Tori is a naïve young girl who has accepted Matt's offer of marriage, but deep down, she knew she didn't love him. Although Tori kept postponing her wedding, Matt's parents and her mother schemed behind Tori's back and planned the wedding date for her. Matt expected Tori to succumb to his wishes; she had to do his bidding or else...
Then along comes a Reaper who is known as Hunter. The Reapers, who ride motorbikes, live in the poor part of the city and don't take kindly to the rich----until Hunter meets Tori. They fall madly in love with one another, but is there going to be a happy ever after? Can't wait to read Book 2 to find out.
Good side: couldn't put it down until I'd finished the story.
Bad side: couldn't put it down until I'd finished! Is that a bad thing?
This story had me hooked from the first page. Matt, a conceited rich boy whose father has pushed him into marrying Tori. Tori is a naïve young girl who has accepted Matt's offer of marriage, but deep down, she knew she didn't love him. Although Tori kept postponing her wedding, Matt's parents and her mother schemed behind Tori's back and planned the wedding date for her. Matt expected Tori to succumb to his wishes; she had to do his bidding or else...
Then along comes a Reaper who is known as Hunter. The Reapers, who ride motorbikes, live in the poor part of the city and don't take kindly to the rich----until Hunter meets Tori. They fall madly in love with one another, but is there going to be a happy ever after? Can't wait to read Book 2 to find out.
Good side: couldn't put it down until I'd finished the story.
Bad side: couldn't put it down until I'd finished! Is that a bad thing?
December 19, 2020
Captivating story , first book I've read by this author , looking forward to carrying on with Hunter and Tori's adventures
June 26, 2019
This was an intense book and I'm hoping it's part of a bigger series so some of the ending gets resolved. I will admit to not being a part of the British upper class and not quite understanding some of the motivations of some of the characters and why they allowed certain things to happen to them. Matt, I understood because he was written well, but the lengths some of the characters go and the money they pay just so people don't find out they knew a person from a certain class knew them.
I've read Edie Baylis before, so characters are not always redeemable and make bad choices. Sometimes you are rooting for someone you might not like because there's another character you like even less you just want to see go down in horrible ways. Not everything is happily ever after or even happily for now. The author doesn't pull punches with her books and it's afraid to pull your guts out to tell the story she wants to tell
I've read Edie Baylis before, so characters are not always redeemable and make bad choices. Sometimes you are rooting for someone you might not like because there's another character you like even less you just want to see go down in horrible ways. Not everything is happily ever after or even happily for now. The author doesn't pull punches with her books and it's afraid to pull your guts out to tell the story she wants to tell
April 11, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Booksgosocial for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tori is 20 and engaged to Matt, a horrible but rich man from a "good family". It is basically an arranged marriage set up her status seeking mother. Tori's father died in an accident or possible murder some years ago. Matt and his father are bankers and are trying to buy up properties and Matt has some shady negotiations with a motorcycle gang that kills people and sells drugs, led by a guy named Hunter.
I am in the minority on this highly rated and very long book. I did not enjoy any part of it. It is billed as "a suspense thriller filled with psychological twists, romance and crime". I found it to be a typical absurd romance with some crime thrown in. It should not have been listed as a thriller or mentioned having psychological twists because those words drew me in and the book did not deliver on those claims. I had my phase with romance novels and I am recovered. This was asinine. I hated every character. Tori is a whiny idiot. She is abused by her fiancee, Matt, and just puts up with it because her mother, who is also awful, tells her to. Then she falls in love with Hunter who is supposed to be hot, I guess, but sounds thoroughly gross to me and is a murderer to boot. They are ridiculously declaring their love for one another after a couple of rolls in the hay. Others are declaring they have never seen two people more in love. What? At least make the guy a hot non murderer/drug dealer and maybe I could find something worthwhile here. Then the mystery of who killed Tori's father could not have been more obvious. The crime part was boring and the whole thing was too long. Despite this book being seemingly endless, it appears there will be more in this series, and I obviously will not be continuing on. I hate to leave bad reviews but I also hate when books are miss marketed and I waste a bunch of time reading a book from a genre in which I have no interest. I had to skim the last 25%. I just couldn't take it anymore.
Tori is 20 and engaged to Matt, a horrible but rich man from a "good family". It is basically an arranged marriage set up her status seeking mother. Tori's father died in an accident or possible murder some years ago. Matt and his father are bankers and are trying to buy up properties and Matt has some shady negotiations with a motorcycle gang that kills people and sells drugs, led by a guy named Hunter.
I am in the minority on this highly rated and very long book. I did not enjoy any part of it. It is billed as "a suspense thriller filled with psychological twists, romance and crime". I found it to be a typical absurd romance with some crime thrown in. It should not have been listed as a thriller or mentioned having psychological twists because those words drew me in and the book did not deliver on those claims. I had my phase with romance novels and I am recovered. This was asinine. I hated every character. Tori is a whiny idiot. She is abused by her fiancee, Matt, and just puts up with it because her mother, who is also awful, tells her to. Then she falls in love with Hunter who is supposed to be hot, I guess, but sounds thoroughly gross to me and is a murderer to boot. They are ridiculously declaring their love for one another after a couple of rolls in the hay. Others are declaring they have never seen two people more in love. What? At least make the guy a hot non murderer/drug dealer and maybe I could find something worthwhile here. Then the mystery of who killed Tori's father could not have been more obvious. The crime part was boring and the whole thing was too long. Despite this book being seemingly endless, it appears there will be more in this series, and I obviously will not be continuing on. I hate to leave bad reviews but I also hate when books are miss marketed and I waste a bunch of time reading a book from a genre in which I have no interest. I had to skim the last 25%. I just couldn't take it anymore.
September 3, 2019
Another epic series in the making
An interesting read indeed. If there's one thing that I never liked, it's the posh, aristocratic class. Always looking down their noses at us common folk like we are trash. Edie Baylis is able to masterfully weave both worlds into a story set in the 80's with a biker gang that has property that a posh son of a bank manager is trying to get for development. The two worlds collide with drug dealing and the leader of the gang in drawn to Tori, a girl that is being forced to do many things in the name of high status for her abusive mother, even marrying Matt, the posh bank manager's son. There's a lot of subplots, double dealings, and betrayal that would make your head spin and Baylis has a unique touch to creating characters come alive, which will keep you turning the pages just to see just how low and twisted each character can get. I don't want to give anything away so I will say that the surprises and the ending will have you demanding the next installment of this intense drama series. I highly recommend this one!
An interesting read indeed. If there's one thing that I never liked, it's the posh, aristocratic class. Always looking down their noses at us common folk like we are trash. Edie Baylis is able to masterfully weave both worlds into a story set in the 80's with a biker gang that has property that a posh son of a bank manager is trying to get for development. The two worlds collide with drug dealing and the leader of the gang in drawn to Tori, a girl that is being forced to do many things in the name of high status for her abusive mother, even marrying Matt, the posh bank manager's son. There's a lot of subplots, double dealings, and betrayal that would make your head spin and Baylis has a unique touch to creating characters come alive, which will keep you turning the pages just to see just how low and twisted each character can get. I don't want to give anything away so I will say that the surprises and the ending will have you demanding the next installment of this intense drama series. I highly recommend this one!
April 16, 2020
Don't do what I did and begin this story when you go to bed at night...But if you do make that mistake, make sure you have the following day off as this is an all night rollercoaster of a ride into biker life.
Tori and Hunter seem unlikely to ever hook up. Their lifestyles are so different, so complicated. Tori is already engaged (To the worst ******** you would ever want to meet) and Hunter has problems hidden so deep that it would seem impossible to break him open. But break open he does. (Swoonworthy moment when he is drunk in the pub.) Kudos to the author for pulling all the raw emotion off.
All in all a great, action packed read, full of tensions and emotions, and not a small amount of violence. Highly recommend.
Tori and Hunter seem unlikely to ever hook up. Their lifestyles are so different, so complicated. Tori is already engaged (To the worst ******** you would ever want to meet) and Hunter has problems hidden so deep that it would seem impossible to break him open. But break open he does. (Swoonworthy moment when he is drunk in the pub.) Kudos to the author for pulling all the raw emotion off.
All in all a great, action packed read, full of tensions and emotions, and not a small amount of violence. Highly recommend.
July 20, 2020
Overall 4.5*
A murdered father, an apathetic mother and a controlling fiance are the key figures in Tori's life. Not that she has much of one as she has to do what they say or suffer the consequences. It is a story of how love and hate can be on the same side of the coin. It's about weak versus strong, rich versus poor and deeply buried secrets which are gradually rising to the surface.
Edie Baylis stories never make for light reading and may not be for everyone however for those of us who do enjoy them, they make for gripping reading - always taut, explicit and at times harrowing but ultimately addictive too. First in a series of three and so looking forward to reading the next one.
I read this book as an ARC for my book club.
A murdered father, an apathetic mother and a controlling fiance are the key figures in Tori's life. Not that she has much of one as she has to do what they say or suffer the consequences. It is a story of how love and hate can be on the same side of the coin. It's about weak versus strong, rich versus poor and deeply buried secrets which are gradually rising to the surface.
Edie Baylis stories never make for light reading and may not be for everyone however for those of us who do enjoy them, they make for gripping reading - always taut, explicit and at times harrowing but ultimately addictive too. First in a series of three and so looking forward to reading the next one.
I read this book as an ARC for my book club.
July 17, 2020
The first book in a trilogy introduces us to Tori.
She lives with her status conscious, snobby mother Lillian and is engaged to Matt, an arrangement made by her mother and his father.
Her loving father, who her mother thought was beneath her, was murdered when Tori was young and her life since then has not been happy.
Matts involvement with The Reapers, a biker gang encroaches on their lives and Lori meet their leader, Ash Hunter....
This is well written and if you like gritty drama, and you are not bothered by bad language, you should enjoy this.
She lives with her status conscious, snobby mother Lillian and is engaged to Matt, an arrangement made by her mother and his father.
Her loving father, who her mother thought was beneath her, was murdered when Tori was young and her life since then has not been happy.
Matts involvement with The Reapers, a biker gang encroaches on their lives and Lori meet their leader, Ash Hunter....
This is well written and if you like gritty drama, and you are not bothered by bad language, you should enjoy this.
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