Behind the Cascades

by T.J. Deal

Charlotte faces her own worst fears when she comes face-to-face with a relentless stalker. Determined to make it on her own, Charlie sets off on a journey of self-discovery, seeking solace far from the turmoil of her past. Just as she starts to settle into her new life hidden away in Cascadia County, her past comes knocking in the form of her devoted ex-boyfriend, Hayes. He's determined to rekindle their once-inseparable bond and protect her at all costs. When eerie events begin occurring around town, Charlie begins to realize Hayes isn't the only one who has followed her into her new life. Her stalker hasn't just tracked her down; he's lurking in the shadows. Will Charlie find the strength to face her fears and secure the peace she so desperately craves, or will the shadows of her past engulf her newfound sanctuary in darkness?

Genres: Romance

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 12, 2024

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is a debut novel. The writing is fantastic and I was immediately hooked. I always say two things about my books: 1) I'm not a contemporary romance reader and 2) I hate a miscommunication storyline. I was just proven very, very wrong. I ate this up in two days and loved every minute of it🫣

So much is packed into just over 200 pages and it doesn't let off the gas. I loved the FMC and MMC's story, and the early years of pining for each other was precious. I almost wanted a little more of the stalker storyline because it was so well done and creeped me the f*** out, but also these characters didn't need to suffer more than they already did. I love the focus on mental health and seeing these characters mature over the year, both separately and together.

I can't wait to see where this series goes.

[Zahavah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof. What an emotional ride.

At first I really really wanted more grovelling, but the pivot to prioritizing mental health and the more realistic take on the need for time and mutual commitment to invest in time made up for it, especially after the whiplash of one character's death I assume (hope!) is explored and expanded upon in a future book.

There was a lot of time (a decade-ish) packed into this fast paced book and at times I felt like I wanted the pace to slow down, but a shorter time span or more filler wouldn't have worked for the story and would have detracted from the main points of the plot.

All in all, I'm glad I walked into this book blind. Fantastic Debut!


Trigger Warning for attempted gRape.

Spice level: entirely fade to gray/fade to black.

[Lexi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot believe this was a debut novel. It’s so good! It hooked me from the beginning.

I loved seeing the characters develop over time. I usually don’t like books that span multiple years but this book never made me question the timeline. My only negative is the lack of build up / background we got as readers about Carter. It felt like it went from 0 to 100 real quick. I’m excited for the 2nd book the author set us up for though!

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

***SPOILERS***

Generally speaking, it this wasn’t a bad book. The writing was good and it was a quick read. I plan to continue the series, I’m excited to see how the author develops over time considering this is a debut novel.


There were some gaps in the plot, but they weren’t bad enough to make me DNF.

The main issue was the lack of buildup to Carter's assault and stalking; he was mentioned only briefly before breaking into her apartment with roses.

I was also surprised by her reaction after the assault. While trauma affects everyone differently, I struggled to understand her choice to move across the country without telling anyone where she was going and her only communicating via scrambling app. We find out much later that he has vast financial resources but I don’t think there was enough character development on his end.

[Lian Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book over the course of 24 hours and genuinely loved the story. Small town romances are some of my favorites.

I do think it could have used a bit more build up to the big moment (no spoilers) and more details. But this was a phenomenal debut novel. I will absolutely be continuing this series.

[Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely addictive

This book had everything, suspense, romance, heart break, second chances. I loved it and could not put it down. I could feel the emotions of the characters coming through the pages. The author did an incredible job weaving the story in such an organic and beautiful way. I can't wait to continue the series.

[Katie Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing debut book by TJ!!! Finished reading this in 1 session! I couldn’t put it down. I loved the characters and felt so connected to them, like I was a part of their family. Can’t wait to read the next book when it comes out!!!

[Sam Moon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew. What a doozy! Despite some minor kinks, this story is beautiful. My jaw was on the floor for most of it. I’m stoked to read the rest of this series. T.J Deal is a fantastic story teller, and this is the start to something beautiful.

[Kayla Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5, This book had everything I love…. Suspense, romance, emotion…. It just wasn’t executed :( plot points were under developed and random things would happen that made no sense. Just needed some editing and it would have been so much better.

[A. Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. What an adventure, and loved the focus of mental health and the military. Great characters and the focus on the northwest was lovely.

[Lauren Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

Deal does an amazing job at storytelling! I felt a connection with her characters and couldn’t pull myself away until the end.

[Kayla Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard about this book in a Facebook group. I was eager to pick up and read a new authors book. And I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed this book!

[Birdie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debut novel for author? So good! My complaint would be there wasn't enough and I wanted more details but I also enjoyed that it was a quick read.

[Lou Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stick it out, they get sooo much better! I’m hooked on the characters and their stories.

[Chelsea Hamilton-Viele · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was one selected for book club, it's out of my normal genre so I was excited to give it a shot. I wanted to like but ... I just can't. The writing itself just seems amateur, too simple; I have a full time job and two young children and still managed to read it in about 24 hours. There's really no character development, there's no wondering what's happening next, it's all pretty "x happened then y happened" "a said b, c said d" "he had muscles. she had blonde hair" that sort of thing. I thought it was just me until hearing from other members of my book club and we all agree this one was hard to not put down.

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is set in the most beautiful setting and the characters are people you fall in love with. They are believable and well written. You are able to see them grow and develop as you do the same with them. Amazing debut book! Can’t wait for book 2!