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Make a note: never agitate a madman. Successful Thoroughbred trainer Mike West just made that mistake-and he’s gonna pay-more than he ever realized. But it’s all in the family; his sister, Kate, has been the object of the madman’s desire on the social network “My Town”. Her constant rejections have infuriated him! People who seem to be in the way start turning up dead, and he’s got Mike and Kate next on his list! In the first book of The Unbridled Series, Cindy McDonald introduces you to the world of Thoroughbred racing, while taking her cast of characters on a wild ride through a maniacs mind.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2011

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About the author

Cindy McDonald

16 books117 followers
After enjoying a career as a professional dancer/choreographer for twenty-six years, I have retired to write my book series and spend more time with family and friends.

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for A Book Vacation.
1,485 reviews730 followers
May 4, 2012
This very interesting novel touches upon the dangers of the internet. I just had a class about how dangerous the internet can actually be, how people can easily fake their identity, steal yours, or infiltrate your entire life online, and it’s really scary. Add to it a psycho freak that is stalking to you, and it’s game over. While this book deals mainly with a man who knows his victims, he is able to garner so much about them, especially Kate West, based on what she tells him on an online dating site. I knew there was a reason I never wanted to try dating online… and George and Kate’s story just solidified it. Now, while the internet is a part of this story, there is so much more to it—about recognizing warning signs and steering clear of people who don’t act quite right, about being nice, but not too nice, and about not bullying people—anyone—because you just might be messing with a person who will eventually strike back, in the worst way.

George is an absolutely horrible person. I hated him from the get go and, as I read, hungrily awaited his demise—he is the epitome of evil. I don’t care if he is a little bit psycho, or if his mother made him this way—EVIL. Every time he was mentioned in the book, my skin crawled; I hate him! Of course, he’s a key part of the novel and he’s constantly at the forefront of the story, so I spent a lot of time really angry while I read. It amazes me that McDonald was able to evoke such strong, passionate feelings of abhorrence from me over a fictional character, but it is a testament of McDonald’s writing ability!

I liked the pacing of the story, especially as the action picks up almost as soon as the story begins. George begins his attacks and I kept checking my progress on the eReader because I was thinking it was almost over—and it wasn’t even close. McDonald sets up her story so that the novel climaxes twice, with George beginning his killing spree, only to be found out and removed as a threat. However, there are cracks in every system, and he’s soon back, unbeknownst to his potential victims, and it begins all over again. I liked this because it’s very fast paced and, knowing what we do, the second time around is even more harrowing than the first. It was very well done.

I was a little annoyed with the cops and the system throughout this novel, though; it almost seemed like the cops and security people had no idea what they were doing. There were many times that I yelled out at them as I read because their mistakes were too often and too obvious, but even so, their errors help fuel help fuel the story...

To see my full review:

http://bookvacations.wordpress.com/20...
Profile Image for Fran.
Author 57 books148 followers
February 20, 2012
Title: Deadly.com

Author: Cindy McDonald

Reviewed by Fran Lewis

Just how far would you go to meet a hot man? Just why do some women resort to finding a man online? Why do others log on to sites that are not secure and chat with a total stranger in a suggestive way? Imagine a gorgeous man hoping for your company and you take the bait just by looking at a picture posted on his website. Women are often lured into the den of men who prey on their weaknesses and vie for their attention. These men, as you will learn more about the one that this story centers around, are often homely, not well bred, ugly, fat and definitely not what anyone would want to date. Online dating can be dangerous and entering the chat room and having a conversation with a picture can lead to events that you might live to regret. Acceptance and understanding are two simple words with multiple meanings. George Smuts is a mean and cruel person whose existence is limited to working as a jockey agent and whose appearance rebels most people. George Smuts is still a human being and no one likes to be rebuffed. George is a clever man who created an alter ego for himself in order to get the attention from women he so greatly craved.


Kate West is a flirt. She enjoys logging on to a site called My Town to chat with a man known only as Georgio. But, just who is this man? What does he really want? Kate West is a veterinary assistant at Westwood Thoroughbred Farm. George Smuts is the man who created this alter ego for himself hoping to finally have a shot at Kate. But, George is anything but what his picture shows on a site called My Town and the whole persona he cleverly invented for himself is false. Many women log on each day just to get his attention including Kate’s ex-sister in law Ava West. Cyberspace is where George feels hot and sexy. In cyberspace you can create any persona or image you want others to seen. Women like Ava and Kate who vie for a man’s attention find him mysterious and exciting. Some even get instant gratification just from chatting with these men.





Jose Desouza is one of George’s jockey clients and his meal ticket. As his agent he managed to get him the races that would bring him a lucrative commission. But, Jose is a drunk and Mike West, the man in charge decides to go with another jockey to represent his farm in an upcoming big race. Doing his best as his agent did not seem fruitful for George. George is really despicable and most people at the farm ignore his presence as if he is invisible. No one acknowledges George even when he is standing right in front of him or her. It’s like an invisible shield is around him and no one really sees or hears him. George Smuts whose mind is filled with hate, rejection and voices will ultimately change everything for this family. Not wanting to lose two commissions he has lined up George is more than angered when told his jockey would not ride in a big race. One more to go and things would definitely not turn out great and his career as an agent for jockeys would disappear. George won’t take defeat in his job or in his quest to win Kate.


George is fired by Mike and puts a plan into motion that would not only bring down the entire West family but raise that shield of invisibility. George never did anything to countermand what others thought about him. George hears voices. Many times he tried to shrug it off but the dominant voice in his head was relentless and would not.

Using the Internet as his venue George hopes to attract the attention of Kate West and many others in order to inflate more than just his ego. Logging on to the site My Town Kate has many conversations with Giorgio and one that will cost someone his life. Taunting Giorgio even more each time she logs on not only fuels his anger ignites his plans for revenge. Ava becomes his first victim only to be followed by Mike and Kate. Just how this happens you won’t believe as author Cindy McDonald weaves a web of lies, deceit and hate as we hear the inner voice of one man names George who justifies his actions to himself and only wants to be recognized by others and make his mother proud.

Eric West is the patriarch of the West Family and prides himself on running a tight family business. Rebuilding it from scratch and reviving Westwood Thorough Bred Farm is his life. His three children, quite different in personality yet loyal to the business handle many situations in different ways. Two sons whose personalities are highly volatile and one daughter caught up in her own world and the web. Mike and Shane can’t seem to agree on anything and their explosive personalities put their horses in jeopardy and lives in danger.


Chaz Derringer is the new announcer hired by Eric West to call the races. Misconceptions, lies and betrayals can often lead to dangerous situation, as Chaz Derringer would find out. One man’s lies would bring down more than just Chaz as George finds it necessary to end his life. But, that is just the beginning of his reign of terror as he confronts Jose and decides to eliminate him too. When Mike West walks in on the entire scene, sees what George has done to Jose why does he wind up in jail? What happens next is terrifying to say the least as the author relates a story that will bring more than just chills down your spine but an electrifying result.

Detective Carl Lugowski is assigned to the case and finds himself in the middle of more than just one murder before all is said and done. Enamored with Ava and hardly being able to see straight when she is around he finds himself caught up in more than just the web of deceit she weaves but a family of people trying to come out on top each in their own way. But, just when you think things cannot get worse wait and see what George does next.

George has set his sites on destroying the West family and begins with Ava. When Mike comes into the barn and sees what is happening he becomes the next victim followed by Kate. Blaming the world for his terrible plight, hearing a distinct voice in his head orchestrating his every move this sick and demented man will not be stopped until he takes out all of his prey. But, when caught he does not stay locked up very long as he is placed in a poorly run mental institution and manages to escape and here is where the story heats up.

Just what George has in store for everyone you will not believe and what happens when they realize just who is behind the site My Town will surprise the reader? There are many other characters that come into play in this intricate plot. We have Dr. Ben Spears the Vet who works at the farm and is seriously attacked by George. We have Travis Cutler the new horse trainer is not exactly the best person for the job. There are many others behind the deceit at the farm and many whose lies and deceptions fall on deaf ears. George is crazy but very smart. The plan created in his head by the voices he hears are so sick and diabolical you has to admire his brilliance. After escaping from the institution he manages to switch identities with Mike. Just what happens to Mike when he gets locked up will enlighten the reader as to the neglect and abuse that often goes on behind the doors of many mental institutions as we learn by the actions of one doctor.

Family harmony is really not what anyone tries to create yet Shane, the youngest son is about to race his prize filly but many obstacles come his way. Not everyone is what they seem as you will find out. Leaving town to alleviate the tension between himself and his brother, Mike falls prey to George’s diabolical plan landing him behind the walls of the institution. Even the doctors turn a blind eye when Mike protests and tries to set the record straight.

When the police learn he is missing just who gets brought back to the institution and who is free? Will anyone realize what is really happening at the farm and who else is behind the sabotage of the horses and much more? Betrayals, lies, deceits and one man named George who just wants to be treated as a human being and as a person but has no idea how to go about doing that. One man whose mother has ruled his life and whose voice is never silent in his quest to make her proud.

Just how this plays out might shock your inner core in more ways than one. Where Mike winds up is frightening? Will Dr. Fleming realize the mistake or will Mike suffer the aftershocks? An ending filled with so many twists, turns and surprises you will never guess the outcome even if the race is fixed and you knew the winner beforehand. What finally happens to George only the author knows the answer to that and of course the voices in his head telling everyone to read this book to find out the inner secrets of horseracing, the scary events in a mental institution and why one family needs to learn the true meaning of the word family, loyalty and faith. One book that will bring you directly onto to the track as you enter the world of thoroughbred racing. Before you place your bet make sure you know whose riding. Deadly.com brings to light what happens when cyberspace takes over and you do not heed the warnings before logging on. Better yet: Read the book. Let’s give this book: FIVE WINNING TICKETS


Fran Lewis: reviewer







Profile Image for Kathyk21.
180 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2012
Deadly. Com by Cindy McDonald is an exciting suspenseful tale. The reader knows the heroes and villains from the beginning. The concern is how much damage will the killer cause before he is caught. When he is caught and imprisoned only half way through the book, it looks as if smaller problems should be addressed during the remainder of the book. Let the reader beware...don't be so sure. This is not a particularly complex story, there is little character development, but Deadly.Com will force the reader to race to the finish for a final resolution. Plan your reading carefully, you will need to finish the book once you pass the half-way mark. Definitely a fun read.
Profile Image for Mitzi.
117 reviews48 followers
May 22, 2012
Could not get into this book. Read to 100 pages. No luck with being interested.
Profile Image for Rebecca Graf.
Author 43 books88 followers
May 22, 2013
The story of the West family continues when Kate and Mike tick a crazy man off. He despises Mike because Mike is the man he cannot be. With Kate...well he wants her more than anything in the world and will kill to have her. How far will he go? As far as he has to.

My review could stop with it being a Cindy McDonald book as that says it all for me. I love her work and will read anything she writes, buy you want to read more than that in a review. So, let me explain why.

The storyline is familiar yet unique. Stalkers are popular in novels. I have one in my own book. They can be fun to write as they can do anything and be almost anywhere. What Cindy does is make it someone....oops. Almost spoiled the fun. Let's say that this stalker is not one you would have pinpointed had you been a West or anyone associated with them. As a reader, I found it easy to figure out who it was, and the truth is quickly revealed as only the other characters are kept in the dark about the madman. Well, at least for less than half the book.

As I was reading, I was confused as the plot appeared to drawing to a close and I was nowhere near the halfway point according to my Kindle. The author had to be to something, and I was write. The story continued when the madman threw a huge wrench in the works. The Wests and others weren't as safe as they thought. The story was not written where you wished it had ended where the plot wound down. Cindy's writing style will draw you in and have you holding your breath. The extension of the plot did not have the feel of being forced. It flowed smoothly and perfectly.

The characters are mostly the same ones from the rest of the Unbridled series. The same ones you love and the same ones you love to hate are all present. Even Mike's ex-wife, Ava, plays a pretty big role in this one. Just when I feel sorry for her, she gives me so many reasons to want to strangle her.

All I can say is that I loved the book. Cindy is a very talented author who has you wanting more. The book ends with nice closure, but I'm confident the Wests will be back for more. I plan on being there to read all about it.

Like mysteries? Like a little suspense? You should check out Cindy McDonald's Deadly.com where you'll find that along with entertaining characters. You won't be disappointed.



Note: This book was received as part of a book tour with no expectation of a positive review.
Profile Image for Anna Kay.
1,458 reviews161 followers
October 2, 2012
Kate West hasn't had much luck with lasting relationships and love. So, she decides to give in to cultural pressure and join a social networking/dating website to find her Mr. Right. What she is unaware of is that George, a very socially awkward jockey agent, is obsessed with her and pretending to be someone else to catch her interest on the site. But when he asks Kate out while working with his jockey at the ranch and she denies him, obsession turns deadly very fast. When George is fired by Kate's brother Mike and spurned by Mike's ex-wife Ava, he has a full-on psychotic break with reality. When people begin to die, can Kate and Mike find a way to survive the greatest chaos they've ever faced? I had my doubts to begin with, as this is basically self-published and it's a very cliched subject matter. However, it sounded like it could be a fresh, exciting take on an old plot line. So I gave it a shot. I wish that I had never wasted the space on my Kindle for this supposed piece of literature. It got off to an okay start, but it just disappeared when the characters really got going with their stupidity. It read like a very badly written soap opera, with bumbling police officers and one-dimensional characters. The most complex character was George (the psychopathic killer) and even he seemed like a badly reconstructed rip-off of other creations in past literature. Kate and Mike were stupid, annoying and completely unpalatable Every time they started to show some sense, they completely negated it by saying or doing something utterly inexcusable for a mature adult. Ava was a waste of space and served only as a plot point, to move things along. All I wanted was for the book to be over and it seemed like the author dragged out the murder plot twice as long as she needed to. It had a completely ridiculous ending and if it had been a print book I would have thrown it against the wall. I will never subject myself to this sort of torture again. NEVER.

VERDICT: 1/5 Stars

*I received an Advanced Reading E-book Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. No money or favors were exchanged for this review. This book was published September 2nd, 2011.*
Profile Image for TMDGReviews.
206 reviews3 followers
September 22, 2014
Cindy McDonald has delivered on her promise of not having a lull in the action. The drama is drawn out by going from place to place, visiting different characters in the same story in order to see all the details of how it will play out. I previously read one of her novels which made me interested in the whole West family and all the characters in their world. I enjoyed this book and I'm sure I'll read more in the series. If you love a story with a bad guy that just keeps coming - even when you think its over and done, somehow they manage to take another stab - you'll love this one. Poor crazy George, I almost felt like it wasn't really his fault with the life he endured.
Profile Image for TMDGReviews.
206 reviews3 followers
July 25, 2014
Cindy McDonald has delivered on her promise of not having a lull in the action. The drama is drawn out by going from place to place, visiting different characters in the same story in order to see all the details of how it will play out. I previously read one of her novels which made me interested in the whole West family and all the characters in their world. I enjoyed this book and I'm sure I'll read more in the series. If you love a story with a bad guy that just keeps coming - even when you think its over and done, somehow they manage to take another stab - you'll love this one. Poor crazy George, I almost felt like it wasn't really his fault with the life he endured.
Author 13 books1 follower
October 10, 2012
The West family are involved in horse racing. Kate West is being pursued by George, who acts creepy. People start being murdered, however, it is a matter of time before all the pieces fall together.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews

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