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Sole Survivor: A Psychological Thriller Romance

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There’s a murderer on the loose.

One who kills without hesitation and remorse.

When Rue Anderson, the killer’s tenth victim, is found in a shallow grave at a children’s park, it sends shockwaves through the local community and sparks a media frenzy.

But there is a difference between Rue and the nine victims that came before her.

Rue survived.

Left with a scar on her soul and her memory in tatters,

Rue finds herself drawn to Valen Ward, the dark and enigmatic man who reminds her there is more to life than just existing.

But Rue’s future is as uncertain as her past.

And though Valen holds her close, he might also be the reason Rue’s world was torn apart.

Every secret has the power to break her, but nothing proves to be more fatal than the truth.

Not when she’s the sole survivor.

And he’s the prime suspect.

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2024

276 people are currently reading
2275 people want to read

About the author

Candice M. Wright

41 books1,428 followers

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5 stars
710 (51%)
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422 (30%)
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171 (12%)
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50 (3%)
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30 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
Profile Image for ❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books.
2,622 reviews10.9k followers
March 30, 2024
pi-Zap-1 '𝐒O𝐋E S𝐔R𝐕I𝐕O𝐑' Is a full length, contemporary romance book, by new to me author Candace M. Wright.

5 BOO STARS

Holy crap this was one twisted and fucked up story, this kept me on my toes throughout and I didn’t want it to end..

This was so cleverly done, the storyline just kept throwing surprises left, right and centre, throwing suspicion around like confetti as my mind kept on trying to connect the dots.

When no one saved them
They saved themselves

A lot of wtf moments
A lot of F 💣💣💣 dropped

I love stories like this! This kept me guessing throughout, who was the victim, who was the hero, mindfuckery at its best.

Rue Anderson nearly became the tenth victim of serial killer nabbed as the 'lullaby' killer, luckily for her she's the sole survivor, sadly though she has no memories of the kidnapping and everything else has been wiped clean too.

The detective on the case Nathan Hask was the one that found her, hopefully together they can piece what happened to her before the killer strikes again.

Everything feels as though someone else lived where she was told she lives, it doesn't feel like a place she would call home, no personal belongings, no pictures on the walls. She's scared and alone, who can she trust? Who should she fear?

Then she meets Valen, he professes to know her, reckons they are together, but were they? Because if you believe Detective Nathan, Valan is the prime suspect in the killings.

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Profile Image for Carla .
1,666 reviews530 followers
April 29, 2024
It’s an interesting read with well built characters and consistent story.
I really saw this coming … at the end!
It’s worth reading!
Profile Image for ⋆.⤹vajiha࿐.
8 reviews52 followers
April 28, 2024
˚⸙͎۪۫⋆🎬 Mini review ✦ ˖ ࣪
—5 stars
—4🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

"Sole survivor" a book that'll literally blow your mind, every chapter ends on a cliffhanger that makes you question whatever you understood in the book so far!!
A mixture of murder mystery,romance, thriller!! Definitely a recommend!!
The ending chapters will make you stare at the wall!! It was damnn satisfying to see how the story unfolds in the end with jaw dropping truth!
Epic head spinning twists!!

Mini synopsis—
Rue(fmc) wakes up in a grave with no idea about who she is, but the only thing that she has with her is a musical box. She tries to go with the flow in her life despite being up and is the serial killer's sole survivor!! As goes by she doesn't has any idea who to trust as she herself doesn't know anything about herself! Among the way, Nat a detective who saved her, "befriends her". Valen(mmc) on the other hand, "coincidentally" meets Rue and tries to convince her that they have been dating throughout!! He is not only a stranger to her but also the main suspect in the serial killing ( lullaby killer)

˚✦࣪𖦆 Fav Quote—
" I knew what I felt went beyond love, beyond Obsession,maybe even beyond madness. She held my sanity in her hands and kept a little more of it each day"࿐

Tropes—
Dark romance
Obsession mmc/fmc
Romantic suspense
Amnesia
Stalkish vibe
Dub-con
Friends to lover vibe
Profile Image for iremucka.
317 reviews17 followers
February 20, 2025
Gizemli romans oh iyi geldi katilli falan 💃
**
O zaman bi yorum gelsin de havamızı bulalım💃💃💃
Reddit bataklığından gizli bir hazine daha, gizem var romans var seri katil var daha ne olsun 🤗🤗🤗

Çok iyi geldi valla kitap hiç bitsin istemedim ve her bölüm sonu bir sonraki bölüm için kıvranarak bitti..
bomba üstüne bomba şüphe üstüne şüphe ay çok akıll annecim..
çok temiz çok profesyonel 💀💀💀

Rue Anderson az daha ninni katilinin son kurbanı olacaktı ama son anda kurtuldu ancak geçmişine dair hiçbirşeyini hatırlamıyor,
bir yandan katilin tekrar saldırma ihtimaline karsı temkinli olurken evi evi gibi hissettirmiyor,
hiç bir kişisel eşya yok, fotograf yok yalnız ve korkmuş kızımız kime nasıl güvensin? 😞😞😞

sonra Valen ile tanışıyor, Valen onun sevgilisi olduğunu söylüyor ama bu nası doğru olabilir
Özellikle de Valen polisin baş şüphelisiyken? 😰😰😰

2 bakış açısı olmasına rağmen sonuna kadar la noliy diye diye okudum beğendim, açık nokta bulamadım, okuyup bulan varsa bana yazsın, yoğun ve hızlı bir okuma oldu yazarın diğer kitaplarına da bakacağım
Profile Image for Kseniia ✨️.
288 reviews26 followers
May 29, 2025
➸дарк роман
➸саспенс
➸серійний вбивця
➸амнезія

Ру - десята жертва маніяка, яка навідміну від попередниць вижила. Проте нічого не пам'ятає.
Вален - її наречений, а також головний підозрюваний. Що ж насправді сталося і кому можна довіряти?


Нарешті книга з вайбами Mindfuck і Ланочки Маєрс. Це було шикарно! Напочатку здалося, що написано трохи сухо, але сюжет все вивез. Читається легко і швидко. Сюжетні повороти тримають у напрузі та змушують читати далі. Деякі твісти вгадала, а деякі мене шокували. Фінал супер🔥
Profile Image for Iryna V..
113 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2025
4.5 ★

🖤 “You’re it, Rue. You’re not my first choice. You’re my only choice. If there is no you, there is no me.”

Мені неймовірно сподобалась ця історія: захопливий сюжет, гнітюча атмосфера, постійна напруга, пристрасні стосунки та несподівані повороти, що тримають у напрузі до останньої сторінки.

Так, початок дещо повільний, але щойно сюжет набирає обертів — відірватися просто неможливо.

Персонажі цікаві:
Ру — єдина, хто вижив після нападу серійного вбивці, але втратила пам’ять і власну ідентичність.
Вален — саме той чоловік, який піде на все заради Ру.
Їхні стосунки — вибухова суміш пристрасті, недовіри й одержимості. Втрата пам’яті Ру та підозра, що Вален може бути причетний до її зникнення, лише загострюють напругу й змушують сумніватися в усьому — навіть у власних почуттях.

🖤“I knew what I felt went beyond love, beyond obsession, maybe even beyond madness.”

І якщо в процесі читання починаєш здогадуватись, куди все йде, — цікавість не зникає. Навпаки — хочеться знати більше.
Profile Image for ReneeReads.
1,454 reviews120 followers
September 9, 2025
This book is suspenseful and dark and a bit depraved. I had a suspicion I knew what happened with Rue and I was partially right but it didn't take away from the enjoyment of this story. This book will lead you down a path and then right when you think you have everything figured out, the author adds information to throw you off and have you questioning yourself. I really enjoyed this one but it does have some darker elements that are not suitable for everyone. Please check triggers before reading.
Profile Image for maria ・゜✭・.・✫・.
45 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2024
dnf at 50% 🍒𓏲࣪ ˖࣪ ✶

the premise of the story was interesting, but the plot was not developed well in my opinion, the characters were quite cringy, and i just felt bored reading it after the 20% mark. the story was just not executed well. ii’m kind of tired to do a big and lengthy review but bottom line is this book was not good in my opinion.

also i could sniff the ending from a mile away.
Profile Image for 25 Readings Or More.
790 reviews164 followers
March 25, 2024
FIVE-WTF DID I JUST READ- STARS

There is a moment in a reader life, or better, there is a book that makes her realize with absolutely certainty that she gonna stalk the author and read whatever she/he wrote or will write in the future.
Sole Survivor is that book for me.
I've been OBSESSED with it since i read the blurb and it only got worse once i started reading it.
I couldn't stop thinking about anything else; i ignored everything else in my life to read it...
And it was MINDBLOWING!!!
With a plot twist i didn't see coming 🤯🤯🤯
The thriller, the suspense, the Criminal Minds/Medium vibes, the steam, the characters.... everything was just so freaking perfect, i got emotional for real 'cause I haven't felt this excited, this invested about a book in a while and damn if i didn't miss it 😍😍

I won't tell you anything about the story because nothing is as it seems and you have to read it, you have to be there on the edge of your sit waiting for something to happen, waiting for some clarity to really appreciate it.
I'm gonna be honest: it will drive you crazy but it will be so worth it.
Trust me 😏😌

There one last thing i have to point out and it's that I WANT MY OWN VALEN !!
The man is too damn good for my sanity but i want that kind of devotion, that kind of love, that kind of hunger... OMFG 🥵🥵

Candice Wright you got me hooked!!

P. S. I still think about it and gonna need the paperback to read it all over again 😌
Profile Image for Elif Arslan.
159 reviews2 followers
July 22, 2025
Süperdi ya 😫 Gerçekten süperdi. 🔥 Bu tür intikam kitaplarını okumak beni her zaman mutlu ediyor onu fark ettim 🙄 özellikle katilin kim olduğunu tahmin etmek ise ayrı bir haz itiraf ediyorum. Ama bu kitapta son ana kadar emin olamayınca tahmin etmek bile eğlenceliydi.

Kitabımız bir seri katilin hedefi olan ve bu yüzden hafızasını kaybeden Rue’nun uyanışı ile başlıyor. Aslında davaya yardım eden bir medyum ama birden ortadan kaybolup katilin tek sağ bıraktığı kişi oluyor. Yani… 😎 Daha sonra yavaş yavaş kimin kim olduğunu, hatırlamadığı hayatını vs okuyoruz ve bir yandan da katili bulmaya çalışıyoruz.

Bölümler yeterli uzunlukta ve ipuçlarını yazar ufak ufak eklemiş. Başta herkes şüpheliydi gözümde ama bazı net detaylar aklımdaki kişiyi belirlemede yardımcı oldu ve ipuçlarının her birini tek tek toplamaktan çok keyif aldım. Bacılarımın bana psikopat demesine yol açacak kadar katilin amacının ne olduğunu tahmin etmek biraz tuhaftı kabul ediyorum ama ne diyebilirim ki en sevdiğim tür korku filmleri ‘katil kim’ olanlardı 😎

Rue benim kesinlikle hayran olduğum üşütük hatunlarımdan oldu. ❤️‍🔥kurguladığı plan, bunun için sabrettiği yıllar ve çektiği tüm o acılar… Bütün bunların üzerine ailesi dediği canavarların ihaneti. Her birinin üzerinden tek tek gelmiş olması gurur verici. Kendisinin de dediği gibi asla normal bir insan olamayacak ama kim normal olmayı takar ki? Önemli olan tüm sürüngenlerin mezarı boylamış olması 🤝

Ve Valen… Onun sahiplenici ama fedakar erkek olması beni tamamen nakavt etti zaten. Katil olsun ya da olmasın Valen benim tüm kalbime sahip olmuştu ❤️‍🔥 ama onun aslında kendi acısını bir yere bırakıp Rue’nun intikamını alması var ya, her şey demekti. Tüm adımlarda Rue ile birlikte olması, ona yardım etmesi hatta onun için kötü adam olması… Vahşiydi ya ne diyeceğimi bile bilmiyorum gerçekten iyiydi. 🔥

Sonunda kötülerin her birinin hak ettiğini bulduğu kitaplara hayranım. Hem aşk hem de delilik arıyorsanız kitaba bakabilirsiniz ❤️‍🔥🤝
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for AvidReader.
1,473 reviews333 followers
June 17, 2024
3.75 🌟!

Probably the most twisted book I’ve ever read.
So unexpected and dark but I enjoyed it.

P.s This book is not for faint hearted.
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
1,462 reviews37 followers
April 16, 2024
DNF 42% but rating it anyway:

⚠️ This author put the trigger warnings at the end of the book! This is both sneaky and dishonest on her part. 1 - If you borrow the sample, the trigger warnings will not be visible to you! 2 - (this is the big one) KU authors get paid PER PAGE READ!! Therefore, if you borrow the book in KU, and have to flip all the way to the LAST PAGE to see the TW, then return it because the triggers were too much for you, she is getting PAID for every page read when you didn’t read the book!!! ⚠️

This is not holding my attention at all. The whole thing is very amateurish. I’ve never heard of a police detective acting the way Nathan Hask does in this book. That includes in fiction and in reality (and I’ve known several detectives). Nathan is the one who finds Rue, the “sole survivor”, at the beginning. The very first thing he says to her is, “Hold on, honey. We’re coming.” Really? He was a creeper to the utmost extent! He would hold her hand, brush her hair behind her ear, kiss her forehead, and put his arm around her. He even took her out on a date!

I have a feeling if I continued I would have really liked Valen. He’s the MMC who is the primary suspect in the investigation. He also claims to be Rue’s boyfriend. But since Rue woke up with her memory completely wiped, we don’t really know if that’s true. I surmise that it is, but I didn’t even get 1/2 way through the book.

I’m really disappointed in this because the blurb made it sound so interesting and it fell flat.
Profile Image for ˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚.
557 reviews74 followers
April 11, 2024
This book was absolutely bloody brilliant! I couldn't put it down! Valen was the red flag we love and Rue was strong and bold.

Valen's love for Rue was pure madness, he worshipped the group she walked on, absolutely devoted to her!! He was OTT possessive and obsessed with her.

I did predict the plot-twist but that didn't stop me from reading this amazing book!

- no cheating, no ow drama
❌ Trigger warnings are located at the very end of the book ❌
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,252 reviews1,525 followers
December 18, 2024
Fracking fantastic!!

Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trope: amnesia, thriller
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥🔥

What a fantastic read! Comply thrilling ride from beginning to the end. The chemistry and tension between the two MCs was nearly palpable and the the smexy times were super hot. I had a pretty good idea "whodunnit" pretty early on, but it still made for a captivating journey that did not disappoint! Highly recommend!!
Profile Image for Bex (Beckie Bookworm).
2,517 reviews1,592 followers
November 25, 2024



Bloody loved this one and yes I did guess the twist, actually saw it coming a mile off but frankly, I was having too much fun to even care and it didn't detract one iota from my enjoyment. This is Valen and Rue's story and buckle in tight because it's a messy one.

Imagine waking up in a shallow grave with all of your memories missing and learning that you're the only surviving victim of a serial killer. When the person looking back at you in the mirror is a stranger and all aspects of your life and relationships are a blank page. Discovering you are psychic and have been assisting the police in the apprehension of the lullaby killer which has led to your current situation when you more than likely got too close to the truth. Then we have Valen a dark and enigmatic man who swears you are everything to him and the connection feels real but he also happens to be the prime suspect in the hunt for the killer and with your missing memories you don't know who you can trust.

This book was so addictive and I read it in one complete sitting. It easily kept my attention and the storyline was incredibly intriguing. I loved Valen and Rue as a couple and their connection and chemistry projected off the page. It was mysterious and dark and deliciously twisted. It also loved the karma this delivered and this all felt extremely satisfying. This gets a massive thumbs up from me and an easy hell yes recommendation.

Untitled design

Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
Profile Image for Canan .
1,084 reviews71 followers
May 25, 2025
Kitap hakkındaki fikrim ikiye bölünmüş durumda.
Eğer içeriğine dair fısıltılar duymamış-okumamış olsaydım şaşırtıcı bulacağım bir içerik olurdu.
Ama bazı noktaları önceden duyduğum için şaşırtıcı unsuru bir nebze daha azdı benim için.Yine de akıcı ve güzel bir kurguydu.Çok kısa sürede okuttu kendini. Smutu da boldu vesselam 😁

Hafızasını kaybeden bir kurban, onun sevgilisi olduğunu söyleyen Valen. Adam dağ gibi, taş gibi, aşırı saplantılı ve takıntılı.Bir de süphelilerden biri. Karmaşık bir durum.

Okurken takıldığım tek nokta, hafıza kaybından sonraki ilk karşılaşmaları. Bir nokta gözüme çok battı ama neysse.

Kısa ve heyecan verici bir okuma oldu. Karanlık, gizem ve suç içeriklerini seviyorsanız bakın derim. Ama spoilerdan uzak durmaya bakın 😅
Profile Image for Melluvsbooks.
1,570 reviews
May 9, 2024
The heroine’s reactions to her traumatic circumstances were unrelatable and ridiculous. Made no dang sense.

I guessed the twist at 30% 🙄

This was not for me.
Profile Image for Karen Denise Foster.
1,069 reviews26 followers
August 18, 2024
Wow, I have loved everything I have read by this author so far, but I think this one just took the top spot. Absolutlely fantastic read. Keeps you guessing, keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering whodunnit....

A serial killer, a cop, a phychic, a millionaire, the FBI, a jewelry box, nine dead and one survived. Who am I, who can I trust? Quite the recipe for a thriller, and quite the story the author told.

5 stars....a must read with a killer ending.
Profile Image for Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨.
1,615 reviews58 followers
March 31, 2024
10+ 🌟... 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 & 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒂𝒘-𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅-𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 😲😍

𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺/ 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑

🎇 Amnesia
🎇 Dark Romance
🎇 Romantic Suspense
🎇 𝖬𝗎𝗋𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖬𝗒𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗒
🎇 Unbelievably Raw Passion filled Chemistry🌶️🔥🥵
🎇 Stalker vibes
🎇 Electrifying Suspense
🎇 Dub-Con

💕𝑭𝑨𝑽𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑸𝑼𝑶𝑻𝑬𝑺 💕

𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒅𝒂𝒚.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕, 𝑹𝒖𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆. 𝑰𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒆.”

📢 𝑪𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑹𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑶𝑼𝑻: 📢

Please do read the author's TWs before starting this one as there are some really sensitive matters written which are central to the storyline but might not be suitable to some. Kindly, heed caution and proceed.
Also, note that this one goes straight into the Morally Darkest Gray zone so also keep that in mind.

𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝

I'M COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY. I'M STILL IN SHOCK RIGHT NOW & CAN'T BELIEVE THE FREAKING GENIUS THAT WAS THIS BOOK.

Seriously, Ms. Wright.... Ahhhh.... I have just finished reading this one but I want to start a re-read just as quickly as I want to experience this thrilling ride all over again.

LET ME TELL YOU, YOU WILL BE LEFT BEYOND SHOCKED AFTER FINISHING THIS ONE.
I remember reading "Compel" by Candice Wright and was just as blown away and was waiting for Ms. Wright to give us a suspenseful book like that again which will leave no room for any guesses and will have you devouring the craziness of unraveling the mystery.

"Sole Survivor" was so much more than a gripping thriller and Romantic Suspense. It's a tantalizing tale that will leave your head spinning with twists and turns so crazy that you will definitely need someone to vent out and share the excitement and the genius that this story is.

When I started this book, I was so scared and worried for Rue after what had happened. The fact that she was one of the only survivors had already raised many questions.
When Valen Ward steps into the picture and just takes over, I seriously didn't know whom to trust.

On one hand all fingers were pointing at one person and then something would happen to falsify it all but then again certain incidents left me shocked as to why that person would do it if they were innocent. (Don't worry this is not a spoiler😉)

I felt horrible for Rue as she's lost everything and now she doesn't know whom to trust and whom to not.

But Valen Ward was obsessed with her. The way he would look at her, the way he was with her and cared for her, also the way he took her (that was just oh my🥵🔥), everything screamed of how crazy he was over Rue.

But the Lullaby killer is on the loose and Rue has to race against time if she wants to help the cops solve this riddle especially as she needs to save herself too, after being his latest victim.

Certain chapters are told in a way that just gives you more clues but also at the very same time leaves you more confused as to who they might be.

Slowly as Rue starts piecing together the hidden clues while also struggling to get her memories back and trying living her life, she helps the cops and her team to uncover this mystery once and all.
She needs to hurry as she might already know who attacked her and just needs to find the truth.

THE FINAL FREAKING REVEAL... THOSE LAST CHAPTERS WERE CRAZY SMASHING AMAZING. I WAS LIKE 🤯😲😲😱😱....

Seriously, I had so many theories but I'm glad my favourite author successfully shocked me and stunned me in silence by plotting twists that I so didn't even think about and I'm overjoyed to be wrong as the SUSPENSE WAS JUST THAT FREAKING GOOD.

I, over the top, loved the bond and PASSION between Valen Ward and Rue Anderson. It was so raw and animalistic yet filled with so much of Obsessed love for each other. Valen Ward was everything a Hero should be, as for him Rue is his entire world and I was here for it as these two made me Swoon and Sigh and melt all at the same time.

I seriously can't get over the smashing turns and twists this one took. I'm so re-reading this one again. Freaking loved loved loved loved this one. 💋💋💋💋💋💋
May 28, 2024
Wow…that was disturbing! But so thrilling at the same time! My eyes couldn’t keep up with how fast I wanted to read this book. I had a hunch about who the killer was and turned out I was right…but boy was it fun to keep reading until I got confirmation at the end of the book. Besides a lot of mystery, intrigue and action this book is also full of scorching spice…phew!! Strangely it was also quite heavy and emotional with the themes that were addressed. This book takes you on a rollercoaster ride that you don’t want to get off. It felt like an episode of criminal minds with a lot of spice thrown in (and I’m totally here for that). Valen is the perfect devoted, obsessed hero. We love a good psycho ;-)
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book quite like this, but enjoyed it immensely!

Safety:
- No OW
- OM: the lead detective wants the h. He kisses her and takes her on a ‘date’. h only wants him to be her friend though. He gets dealt with 😏
- No cheating
- No true separation / no third act break up
- Read the trigger warnings, this book deals with rape (on page in flashbacks) and other heavy subjects.
Profile Image for ♡ Ruth ♡.
91 reviews136 followers
September 6, 2024
Sole survivor is a twisted story about a woman, Rue, who wakes up in a shallow grave with no memories. Come to find out, she is the only survivor of a ruthless serial killer known as the lullaby killer. Our main character, Rue finds herself falling for Valen Ward, the main suspect of these crimes, but there’s so much more than meets the eye. If you want something dark, twisted, and suspenseful, I highly recommend!!🖤
Profile Image for Chelsie Lucas.
1,074 reviews22 followers
March 6, 2025
Oh. My. WOW !!!!!
OK, yes I definitely saw the twist coming but at the same time I didn’t
So what I mean by that is I -during the middle-had like three working theories and the main twist was my go to one, but you don’t really know until it’s happening, but the way that this author worked it all together was so so good

I absolutely love Valen — he is obsessed for her and the dark horrible stuff that they went through makes it so much more powerful and meaningful

I’ll definitely reread this. This is going on the top books of this year. I can tell.
Profile Image for MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog.
1,403 reviews261 followers
March 19, 2024
This is one wild ride! Dark, twisted and clever! When Rue Anderson is saved after almost becoming the tenth victim of a serial killer she doesn’t remember anything. With the help of detective Nathan Hask maybe they can solve what happened to her. While trying to move on from the trauma she also runs into a man named Valen Ward that she knew from her past…or did she? Who is Rue Anderson and why was she targeted? Who can she really trust? This is better to go in blind and discover all the clues that are undercovered for yourself of what is happening. I could not put this thrilling erotic mystery down. The twists and turns are invigorating. It will keep you guessing until the very end leaving little bread crumbs throughout. Please make sure to check the TW’s for this one as there are some very dark themes including NonCon. A top read of 2024! Told in first person and multiple POV.

Teaser
📸 Teaser Collage by Miss Petite Brunette Book Blog
Profile Image for Lily Adams.
23 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2024
Sole Survivor by Candice Wright
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Spice rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

Tropes: M/F, Serial Killer, Dark Romance, Friends to Lovers (ig?)
TW: Death/torture/murder, stalking, past/childhood abuse, and trauma, rape, dub-con, somnophilia, bondage

God, I don't even know where to begin with this book.

The story starts with Rue (our FMC) waking up in a grave with cops surrounding her with no recollection of where or who she is. The only thing she has with her is a music box (which is a song from the serial killer).

The story goes on about how Rue now tries to navigate her life even though she's been marked and is the serial killer's only survivor. She doesn't know who to trust or how to go in with her life. Throughout the journey, Nate (the detective who found her in the grave) befriends her (cough, emphasis on befriend) and tries to help her go on about her life.

Come in Valen, who meets her out of the blue and tries to convince her they are and have been dating.

I swear, I've read and watched a lot of murder documentaries and stories, but HOLY SHIT, I did not see that plot twist coming.
The book is not only original but also thick with the plot... I couldn't put my Kindle down.

While it's mainly a psychological thriller, let's not forget about the dark romance part of this book. istg, it's like all my favourite kinks have been wrapped up neatly with a cute bow on top and delivered to me.

The ending is soo satisfying coz ya girl loves her some revenge and I'm all for "an eye for an eye". I loved Valen coz I always end up falling for the dark, morally grey characters (umm, who doesn't?!). But he was so supportive and sweet and affectionate. I need a man like him for real.

Tbh, the reason I haven't given this book a 5-star is coz I felt like it was too short and the scenes were a bit rushed. Some of the stuff that happened throughout the book also didn't make any sense to me, even at the end.
Profile Image for Monae Doyle.
1,476 reviews5 followers
March 31, 2024
This was an awful book. This story is violent and the spice is what made it worse.

This story started out with a woman named Rue who I thought was a victim of a serial killer. She gets found by a guy named Nathan who is a cop. She pretends to have lost her memory and who she is. Apparently she is with this guy named Valen who is just as horrible as she is. Valen and Rue are terrible people in this story. Valen and her are violent people who are getting revenge on certain people in the story. This story isn’t a romance and I ended up hating this story by the end. I wish that I had never read this book.
Profile Image for Claudia |✨Cushin Violeta's Bookish Realm✨.
1,615 reviews58 followers
March 29, 2024
10+ 🌟... 𝑮𝒓𝒊𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 & 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑱𝒂𝒘-𝒅𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒅-𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒔 😲😍

𝑻𝑹𝑶𝑷𝑬𝑺/ 𝑩𝑶𝑶𝑲 𝑯𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑳𝑰𝑮𝑯𝑻𝑺 :📑

🎇 Amnesia
🎇 Dark Romance
🎇 Romantic Suspense
🎇 𝖬𝗎𝗋𝖽𝖾𝗋 𝖬𝗒𝗌𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗒
🎇 Unbelievably Raw Passion filled Chemistry🌶️🔥🥵
🎇 Stalker vibes
🎇 Electrifying Suspense
🎇 Dub-Con

💕𝑭𝑨𝑽𝑶𝑼𝑹𝑰𝑻𝑬 𝑸𝑼𝑶𝑻𝑬𝑺 💕

𝑰 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔. 𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒅 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒌𝒆𝒑𝒕 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉 𝒅𝒂𝒚.

“𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒕, 𝑹𝒖𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆. 𝒀𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆. 𝑰𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐 𝒎𝒆.”

📢 𝑪𝑨𝑼𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑨𝑹𝒀 𝑪𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑶𝑼𝑻: 📢

Please do read the author's TWs before starting this one as there are some really sensitive matters written which are central to the storyline but might not be suitable to some. Kindly, heed caution and proceed.
Also, note that this one goes straight into the Morally Darkest Gray zone so also keep that in mind.

𝑴𝒀 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾: 📝

I'M COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY. I'M STILL IN SHOCK RIGHT NOW & CAN'T BELIEVE THE FREAKING GENIUS THAT WAS THIS BOOK.

Seriously, Ms. Wright.... Ahhhh.... I have just finished reading this one but I want to start a re-read just as quickly as I want to experience this thrilling ride all over again.

LET ME TELL YOU, YOU WILL BE LEFT BEYOND SHOCKED AFTER FINISHING THIS ONE.
I remember reading "Compel" by Candice Wright and was just as blown away and was waiting for Ms. Wright to give us a suspenseful book like that again which will leave no room for any guesses and will have you devouring the craziness of unraveling the mystery.

"Sole Survivor" was so much more than a gripping thriller and Romantic Suspense. It's a tantalizing tale that will leave your head spinning with twists and turns so crazy that you will definitely need someone to vent out and share the excitement and the genius that this story is.

When I started this book, I was so scared and worried for Rue after what had happened. The fact that she was one of the only survivors had already raised many questions.
When Valen Ward steps into the picture and just takes over, I seriously didn't know whom to trust.

On one hand all fingers were pointing at one person and then something would happen to falsify it all but then again certain incidents left me shocked as to why that person would do it if they were innocent. (Don't worry this is not a spoiler😉)

I felt horrible for Rue as she's lost everything and now she doesn't know whom to trust and whom to not.

But Valen Ward was obsessed with her. The way he would look at her, the way he was with her and cared for her, also the way he took her (that was just oh my🥵🔥), everything screamed of how crazy he was over Rue.

But the Lullaby killer is on the loose and Rue has to race against time if she wants to help the cops solve this riddle especially as she needs to save herself too, after being his latest victim.

Certain chapters are told in a way that just gives you more clues but also at the very same time leaves you more confused as to who they might be.

Slowly as Rue starts piecing together the hidden clues while also struggling to get her memories back and trying living her life, she helps the cops and her team to uncover this mystery once and all.
She needs to hurry as she might already know who attacked her and just needs to find the truth.

THE FINAL FREAKING REVEAL... THOSE LAST CHAPTERS WERE CRAZY SMASHING AMAZING. I WAS LIKE 🤯😲😲😱😱....

Seriously, I had so many theories but I'm glad my favourite author successfully shocked me and stunned me in silence by plotting twists that I so didn't even think about and I'm overjoyed to be wrong as the SUSPENSE WAS JUST THAT FREAKING GOOD.

I, over the top, loved the bond and PASSION between Valen Ward and Rue Anderson. It was so raw and animalistic yet filled with so much of Obsessed love for each other. Valen Ward was everything a Hero should be, as for him Rue is his entire world and I was here for it as these two made me Swoon and Sigh and melt all at the same time.

I seriously can't get over the smashing turns and twists this one took. I'm so re-reading this one again. Freaking loved loved loved loved this one. 💋💋💋💋💋💋
Profile Image for T.P.A..
738 reviews10 followers
May 27, 2025
When life throws you in the midst of chaos, despair and betrayal, you have two choices - give up or fight to seek vengeance.
Sole Survivor is one gripping reading experience that takes you on quite the intriguing journey as the only living victim of a serial killer finds herself still breathing , but without any recollection as to who she really is.

The puzzle is addictive and although there were some leads along the way, I was not one hundred percent sure who the actual 'villain' was up until the last part of the book. That fact in itself constitutes a good murder mystery to me. In addition, the characters were really well developed. I really felt for Rue as she looked herself in the mirror questioning who she really is. I cannot imagine the utter shock and uncertainty that runs through one's mind when finding thyself in similar circumstances. When you have no prior memory in regard to your life and those involved in it, how does one distinguish between friend or foe?

This story offers quite the intense combination of mystery, dark and twisted vibes and love that has no bounds. I devoured this in one afternoon as the writer drew me in instantly and I could not help but completely immerse myself in the story. Definitely recommending it to those who love their murder mystery with some sizzling romance.
Profile Image for The Dragon Den Book Blog.
2,951 reviews65 followers
March 25, 2024
ARC Review of Sole Survivor by Candice M. Wright
* * * * *
Very dark. Crazy twisted. Wonderfully taboo. Seriously screwed-up. An insane twist! Epic REVENGE!
I could go on!
If you need a little something on the wild side that amps you up and gets you blood pumping, this is a heavy recommendation if you can handle the danger and intensity.

Rue woke up in a shallow grave with no memory and a music box in her hand, having her as the only known survivor of a serial killer.
She's lost and scared and wanting answers.
Hanging around the handsome detective seems to perk things up, but what really gets her heart pumping is the mysterious Valen - a man she is apparently dating but seems to just know her unspoken needs.
Then she starts seeing visions of the killer.
Someone is taunting her.
Someone is keeping secrets.
Someone is not who they say they are.
Who can she trust until her memories come back?

THE TWIST! ARGH! I love a good twist and this delivered. You can suspect whomever you want, but I bet most of you will get it wrong until the very moment of the reveal is is soooo good!
Valen is dark and filthy and possessive, and he will not let Rue go. You know he has some major darkness and secrets, but there is no way he could hurt Rue.
Our golden detective is sweet and caring and totally after Valen, but there is more to his story.
With Rue's story unravelling, the connections just have you really guessing who is behind it all!
Thumbs up Candice!
Profile Image for TheReaderVert .
799 reviews29 followers
April 2, 2024
👻

What Happens When a Dark Romance Author does a Dark Romance Thriller?

Wright has a way of doing dark romance that doesn't feel dirty or demeaning. It just feels as is. She also writes strong women characters in dark situations. I'm sure others are going to get into the twists and turns, but I would say that the forgotten memories were intriguing but stalling at the same time.

😬As the story progressed, it's painfully obvious who the killer(s) are, but the lack of character development for Nathan hinders the entire overall story a bit. The potential for a love triangle quickly is squashed.

😬the repetitive nature of Valen started to feel more like he was always threatening you with a good time but not following through

😬Rue had whole chapters I was comfortable skipping. And never missed anything narratively.

None of that means the book is bad. As always, Candice's writing is top tier.

🥵The sex scenes are hot, and the story itself feels like Wright was trying to push out of her comfort zone as an author. A peek into crime thrillers instead of the Mafia/organized crime stories she typically creates.

👎🏾 If anything, the length of the story holds it back. The story could have been solid at 200, maybe 250 pages. The added buffer was unnecessary and slowed down the pace.

👻 But again, the book is thrilling even if we get the villain soliloquy multiple times in multiple ways 😄.
Profile Image for Andréa.
813 reviews
April 1, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ Twisted and oh so satisfying

“I may be a sinner, but I know what heaven feels like”

Rue Anderson is a latest and only surviving victim of the Lullaby Killer. However, with no memories of her attack or her past, she is faced with many obstacles and not enough time to figure out friends from foe. The clock is ticking and she has a killer to catch but he catches her… again.

I loved Rue and Valen’s story. It was intriguing and griping. With a mix of flashbacks and secrets, this story was difficult to put down once I started.

Murder and mystery and passion and revenge… all great features of this amazing story that kept me guessing until the end. Candice Wright has a knack for surprising me even when I think/manage to figure things out. I definitely recommend this story to everyone.
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