The highly praised Top 10 Bestselling romantic suspense series, The Photographer Trilogy, reveals the dirty truths behind humanity that no one wants to face. This unique story is the gripping tale of one woman’s journey to rock bottom and the serial killer who dragged her there.
A woman haunted by her past, Kate Jackson was listlessly floating through life until she meets charming lawyer and playboy, Derrick Kane. Just when she thinks she might have found the key to learning how to live again, learning how to love…infamous serial killer, The Photographer, rips it all away with one click of his camera.
But Kate is a fighter and refuses to allow a sadistic killer to take everything from her yet again. She delves into the police investigation targeting The Photographer to finally reveal his true identity, but Kate quickly learns that finding the face behind the mask doesn’t always make you safe.
Every dirty secret from the past comes to light, and she finds herself faced with the ultimate test of true love…and true heartbreak. When an innocent life is on the line, the cost of justice could be more than love can afford.
Not everyone makes it to the end of their love story.
Trigger Warning: Due to violent and dark subject matter, this story is intended for readers over the age of 18 years old.
About Sarah: Contemporary Romances Across the Rainbow…
Sarah Robinson first started her writing career as a published poet in high school, and then continued in college, winning several poetry awards and being published in multiple local literary journals.
Never expecting to make a career of it, a freelance writing Craigslist job accidentally introduced her to the world of book publishing. Lengthening her writing from poetry to novels, Robinson published her first book through a small press publisher, before moving into self-publishing, and then finally accepting a contract from Penguin Random House two years later. She continues to publish both traditionally and indie with over 18+ novels to her name with publishers like Penguin, Waterhouse Press, Hachette, Forever, Grand Central Publishing, and more.
In her personal life, Sarah Robinson identifies as a queer, non-binary mother and is happily married to the gentle giant of her dreams. The duo have two little children and are happily living in Arlington, Virginia where Robinson also works full-time as a psychotherapist with queer individuals and couples.
Tainted Bodies is book one in the Photographer Trilogy by Sarah Robinson.
“The world might be tainted, but we don’t have to be.”
Kate Jackson has not had an easy life. After an unthinkable violation when she was just a child, her mother left and her father slowly drank himself to death. So Kate and her little sister Annie were all each other had left. Their bond as sisters was unbreakable. Her life as an adult is definitely not what she envisioned for herself. She is working at an office furniture store. It’s not her dream job but it’s paying the bills.
It’s on her way to work one morning at her favorite coffee shop that a chance meeting with the oh so handsome lawyer, Derrick Kane, changes her life. She immediately feels that little spark of attraction with Derrick. Their courtship isn’t rushed but for her she knows that he could be something special. Maybe even the one!
Derrick Kane is falling in love with Kate. The more time they spend together the stronger his feelings are for her. But Derrick has secrets of his own. Secrets that prevent him from committing fully to any woman, even Kate Jackson. But is he willing to risk losing Kate to protect himself? Or is it maybe time to give his trust and his heart to this woman?
Just when they are finally able to take their relationship to the next level, neither of them ever feeling happier, the unthinkable happens. Kate’s life is forever changed. And the chance for happiness with Derrick seems to disintegrate right before her eyes.
First I want to say that this series is based on real events. It does contain delicate subject matter that may be upsetting to some. The description of the one violent scene is very tastefully done. I thought Sarah did a wonderful job with this and with allowing us to understand what was going on in Kate’s mind during and after this event.
At times I thought that too much time was spent dwelling on Kate and Derrick’s relationship as it progressed but I do understand that it was important to the story line to experience their relationship as it slowly grew stronger.
Even though Kate is making some mistakes dealing with this situation, I have to say I am as proud of her as if she were my own. That woman has more backbone in her pinkie finger than most of us ever will in our whole bodies. Is Kate still in danger? Will her relationship with Derrick survive? I can’t wait to continue on with this trilogy to see what happens next.
Tainted Pictures is book two in The Photographer trilogy by Sarah Robinson. I have to admit that I am completely caught up in this series. I literally could not put it down. I am forcing myself to stop and write this review before I continue on with the final book.
Kate Jackson has lost everything after her brutal attack. She is slowly recovering from her physical injuries but will she ever be able to recover from her emotional ones? Not only from the attack but also from being betrayed by the man she had entrusted her heart, Derrick.
Derrick knows he has made a huge mistake. What happened to Kate has made him re-evaluate everything, looking back at his own past and the skeletons he has kept hidden all these years. He knows he is deeply in love with Kate and that he wants to spend the rest of his life making his mistake up to her, if she will only give him the chance.
I want to stop here and say that even with the horrible nature of the crime that was committed here, the outcome in both Derrick and Kate was a positive one. Kate is probably the strongest woman I have ever read about. She is bound and determined not to let what happened to her define her. And even after what Derrick did, I have still been rooting for this couple. Kate even says at one point to Derrick that he is not the same man he was before. He has come to terms with his own past and only wants to look towards a future with Kate.
“Maybe two people can be broken on their own, but together they heal each other, they are whole. Kate, I am broken without you in my life.”
“Of course she already loved this man but he had this way of making her fall in love with him again and again. Derrick was no longer the boyish guy she first fell in love with, he was a man and growing more so each passing day.”
We get both Kate and Derrick’s point of views but I really loved that we also get some time in Liz’s head who is one of the two police detectives working on the case. Liz and her partner Mike are moving heaven and earth to try to solve this case. The problem is that both Kate and Derrick are not completely forth coming with all that is going on. Kate still is carrying the photograph the attacker took of her, too embarrassed to share it with the police, not realizing what an important clue it is. And twice now Derrick has sensed another presence. Once outside of Kate’s apartment on the fire escape, and once at his own apartment across the way on a balcony of an empty apartment. He saw an abandoned cigarette left smoldering as if it was left in a hurry. Is someone watching them, stalking them? But he does not share this with Kate not wanting to further upset her.
Kate and Derrick are working to regain the love and trust they had been building and their love story is truly a beautiful one. At the same time, Liz and Mike are working non-stop to try to uncover who the photographer is and stop him. There is even a tentative friendship forming between Kate and Liz.
At the same time as their love story is unfolding, the photographer is watching, taunting. This is a sick, sick person and he covers his tracks well. Can the detectives uncover his identity before he hurts someone again?
The book ends with a HUGE cliffhanger so be ready to go right on into the final book. That’s exactly what I plan to do right now!
Untainted is book three, the final book in The Photographer Trilogy by Sarah Robinson. These books are both available individually or in a box set. This series will evoke just about every emotion you have. You will feel joy, pride, anger, heartbreak and horror. This third book, more than the other two, kept me on the very edge of my seat. I could not stop reading.
We start up exactly where book two ended. Something horrible has happened. Annie and Derrick work together to try to find Kate. They know they are working against the clock if they want to find her alive. They now know who the photographer is and Annie knows where he lives. They are ahead of the detectives, Liz and Mike, so they go to the photographer’s apartment to search for clues.
The photographer is truly an evil sick man. The dots are finally connected and we find out why he is doing what he has done. His sick mind has no boundaries. Annie and Derrick go on their own to try to save Kate whom they both love so much. Liz and Mike are on their way but will they get there in time?
Before it’s all over, the photographer has taken so much from Kate. She could let it ruin her life, let the sadness rule her future. But, she doesn’t. She rises above it all and is stronger for it. Because of it, she finally finds purpose. I said it before but I think Kate is the strongest woman I have ever read about.
I am not giving away as much as I usually do because I feel it would spoil the book. Just know that you will barely be able to catch your breath in everyone’s pursuit to catch the photographer and save Kate. If you read the box set, be sure to take a minute to read the acknowledgements at the end. I knew this series was loosely based on real events but I was still moved. Also, at the very end of the boxed set, there is a deleted scene that adds to the state of mind of the photographer. Don’t miss it.
I’m so glad I read this series. Just reading about Kate makes me want to be a better person, a stronger more positive person. I can honestly say that I will not soon forget about Kate, Derrick, Annie, and the rest of the characters.
☆ I received all three individual RC's of this trilogy via the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ☆
The Photographer Trilogy was my first taste of author Sarah Robinson but certainly not my last!
It is broken up into three installments-- where we meet Kate, her love interest Derrick, and the mysterious serial killer on the loose who now has his sights set on her—The Photographer.
What I liked about this trilogy was that it was fresh, unique, and out of the box. It had a peculiar and suspenseful feel, and yet it also held a romantic and learning how to defend and protect yourself type of vibe to it as well.
Every page of this trilogy was just mind gripping and addicting that I practically ignored my family whenever I sat down to read this…It was utterly that appealing to me!! *Hehe*
Kate’s character was just the shi#-izzile!!! Awww!! How I envied her!! But not her predicament. Even though she had her own share of heartbreak and struggles in life, and with this dangerous predator lurking in the shadows, I enjoyed her strength not to be paralyzed with fear and play the victim.. but, be the victor or survivor in all of this.
Not to mention, Derrick… He was awesome!! Even though he had his faults... Such a great support system and protective in his own right!! You go smexy man!!
And "The Photographer"?- Pretty mystifying and complex character, if you ask me!
So, over all?: #A thrilling and yet chilling roller coaster of a ride! Let me say, that you should never underestimate the writing power of Sarah Robinson!! Such an intricate and perplex display of craftsmanship she brings to her writing and characters!
I definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a cringe-worthy and engaging read!!
These books are AMAZING..... this is the story of Kate & Derrick.... how they met, fell in love, and endured some hardships, struggles & losses. I am STILL in book hangover mode after reading the last book of this series!!! This is the most amazing series I have read in a long time! If your looking for a book series, where you can melt in your seat, cry, & laugh all in one or all 3 books, then this is the book for you! You wnt want to put ANY of these books down as they pull you in with plots & twists & turns!!!!
Tainted Bodies: I would rate this book as a 4.5 if given the option. This is the first book in The Photographer Trilogy by Sarah Robinson. The main character, Kate Jackson, lives alone in Washington, DC and works for her "uncle" Lenny. He is a childhood friend of her father. The story begins with Kate walking up to a podium to give a speech to law enforcement. This hints that the story is going to be bigger than we know. Kate has suffered unimaginable trauma when she was 6 years old. Her mother used this for attention and her father calls her a liar. This shaped how she views life, and how not to trust that anyone will have your back when things go wrong. Her closest trusted family to her is her little sister Annie. Annie lives in New York City. They are very close because when they were young, their mother left them and their father turned to booze and died when Kate was in middle school. Annie is the only true family Kate has left. She meets a man named Derrick one day at a coffee shop and soon they are dating. Derrick has a lot of baggage just like Kate does. Slowly we learn what all is holding him back from getting serious with Kate. After a few months, they go on vacation to a bed and breakfast in Delaware. Things go really well and her life is looking good. When they return, really horrible things happen to Kate and she has trouble dealing with the aftermath. She struggles to do the right things and just when she is at her lowest point, Derrick does something bad. How she reacts and deals with all of this is what the story is about. I liked the different direction this story moves in. It is a breath of fresh air, completely different then other books of the same genre. This book has mystery, suspense, romance, intrigue. It is the whole package. I am looking forward to seeing how this trilogy plays out, and if you like a deeper story, but don't want gritty, this is a good place to start. Although the subject matter could be graphic, Sarah has written this as to not be so in your face like some books. I found myself getting frustrated with the characters, which for me is a good thing. When you start looking at the characters as if they are real, then the author has done a wonderful job of bringing them to life. This is a very interesting start to a very interesting trilogy, and I for one, won't miss a page. Check it out for yourself! Tainted Pictures: This second installment in the Photography Trilogy is absolutely amazing. I was hooked from page one. This book takes the story to a whole new level. If you enjoyed the first book, you are gonna love this one! Kate begins to take back her power and go from victim to empowered woman. She is learning to trust Derrick again. And she opens up to him and shares all of her demons with him. He is trying to win her trust back and feels awful for how he treated her when she needed him most. He has a ways to go and I find that I wished he would tell the cops all that he has learned. The detectives in this case are very dedicated to finding the creep that attacked her, and as she shares all of what happened to her, they start finding out how far this crime might go. This book is action packed and there are so many plot twists and turns, I could not put this book down for a second. The ending of this book will blow your mind and I cannot wait to see how the story ends. This book grips you from start to finish, and it is quite a ride.
Untainted: I have followed this series since its inception, and this final book in the series is by far the best book! Sarah has out done herself on this one. The first few pages of this book had my stomach hovering somewhere near my shoes, I do not think I took a breath until the last page of Chapter 1. Holy cow! Do not read this book if you cannot stand being on the edge of your comfy reading chair. I am pretty sure I aged a bit from the first page until the last. This book proved that no one is safe, crappy things happen to good people, life is not fair, and through it all- love isn't everything, it is the only thing. After Tainted Bodies and Tainted Pictures, we were all hanging on the cliff because something bad had happened. Well, the wait is over. Something very bad has happened. And no, I am not telling what that is. But those left behind have to come together and find the Photographer. Fast. The twists and turns this roller coaster travels on threw me for a loop many times over. Kate needed justice. I hoped she feels she got it. We get to see new sides of Liz, Annie, Derrick, and the photographer. Some things you may have wondered like why Kate are answered. And I am very happy with how the ending played out, to a point. The author had done a remarkable job of having this series play out like it could in real life, not just going and giving us a perfect happily ever after. It is a brilliant read. For those who have toiled along side me waiting for this book, your wait is over, and it was soooo worth the wait. And to Sarah Robinson, bravo baby, you blew it out of the park! If you haven't read the trilogy, all I can say is why not? Go grab them all! And buckle up, it is going to be a bumpy ride!
wow this Series is amazing - I highly recommend it
Book 1 Kate smart and sassy woman with a great sense of humour one. Despite her degree in Phycology she is work in a future store owed by 'Uncle Lenny" her father's best friend. The only Family Kate has is her younger sister Anne, their mother left them when they were young causing their father to become an alcoholic which eventually killed him.
One day before work she is grabbing her favourite coffee when she meets Derrick and they make an instant connection and soon begin dating. Both how ever keep secrets from their past to themselves - secrets which could break them apart. Then one night after returning from a weekend away Kate is attacked and raped in her apartment. Will she be able to cope with what has happened to her and will Derrick.
Book 2 Kate grows and matures a lot in this book as does Derrick. The hunt is now on for Kate's attacker and once the photograph is turned over to the police it turns out Kate's attack wasn't the first and she is in fact the only surviver. It soon be come apparent that Kate's attacker is stalking her - intend on tormenting her before finally finishing the job. Will the police figure out who the "photographer' is in time or will Kate become this serial killer's latest victim.
Book 3
The final book in this gripping trilogy takes you on a roller coast of emotions - be warned a box of tissues is required on this journey but its so worth it.
Like the other books Sarah Robinson has written it sucks you in and you can't stop reading until the book is done. I had only planed to read the first chapter about 2 hours later I was done.
This was one book that was worth the 6 month wait.
I can't wait to see what Sarah writes next on her new endeavours
The Photographer Trilogy is a witty, romantic, mystery/thriller. It felt to me like Sarah Robinson gave a piece of herself in these novels. The detail descriptions of the characters, their emotions, and surroundings, makes it seem like you are in the novels witnessing face to face what every character is going through with no way to help....just watch. Each book gets better. By the end I was a roller-coaster of emotions. I laughed, was sad, got mad, and yes even shed some tears. One of the best trilogies I've ever read! Kate Jackson is an ordinary young woman who has an ordinary unfulfilling job to pay the bills. For as long as she can remember it has always been just her Uncle and sister as family. She lives to find her prince charming...but has pretty much giving up on the fairy tale. Then she meets Derrick Cane. They begin dating and quickly fall in love with each other. Upon returning from a date with Derrick, Kate was brutally assaulted in her home and left for dead and a polaroid picture of her bound and beaten. Despite the attack, Kate chooses not to be a victim, but a survivor. This little spitfire comes back a fighter and manages to keep her relationship with Derrick and make it stronger than ever. While getting her life back, the "photographer" has other plans for her. He has been stalking her, waiting to finish the job and bring things full circle. But he has underestimated Miss Kate. Like the Phoenix she will rise from the ashes and take back her life. I highly recommend this trilogy and I look forward to reading more of Sarah Robinson's work.
I can't begin to find the words that will describe how I feel about this trilogy! I was put through the ringer with this book and every word rang deep into my soul! This will make you happy, cry, piss you off and every other emotion in between! All I can say it that if you have never read one of Sarah Robinson's books then this is definitely the one you want to grab first! First off the main character was molested as a young child and her parents gave her no support her Mother left and her Father drank himself to death! The only thing that kept her going was her little sister Annie and her Uncle Lenny! Her life is going good and she just met the man of her dreams! Everything is going great until the night her worst nightmare comes true! I hope that you will check this book out you will not be disappointed!
All of these great books in the series will be coming together in this box set! You are not going to want to miss this. When I first started the series I quickly got into the story. I could feel what Kate was feeling and I loved seeing her grow with Derrick. Things quickly escalate and then their whole world is flipped upside down by a maniac! Follow these two as they embark on a dangerous journey with a love story at the same time. There are twist and turns that will pull you in and have you gripping your kindle/nook/ipad or whatever you are reading on! Great suspense, pain, love, hurt, betrayal, mystery, and heartbreak in every book! Highly recommend.
I am Struck Mute by this Trilogy! I had read the complete series of books,finishing with Untainted a few months ago.I felt the Whole Range Of Emotions when reading these books,But mainly, I felt the Pain and Rage of Victims who have suffered at the hands of abusive people.We are talking about Adults and Children,who have been traumatized,some who can never move forward,get past what had happened.The Author,Sarah Robinson,takes us on a journey with one such victim.I could not stop at just one book,I had to read the rest of Kate's Story! I'm sure that you will NOT be sorry that you bought this fantastic Box Set!
If you are looking for a sweet romance this is not for you. This book contains suspense, broken characters, and will most likely have you hating Derrick.
More twists and turns you will not see coming. Don't start the book until you have the time to finish reading it fully. Hard to put down. Very action packed.
“Kate had never been the graceful type. She had always wanted to be and tried her hardest but somehow she was still known for tripping over flat sidewalks, walking into parked cars, and subjecting herself to whatever other type of embarrassment came her way.”
“She had never really thought of him as a criminal but rather as her personal attacker, almost as if he belonged to her and no one else.”
From Tainted Pictures - Book 2:
“Maybe two people can be broken on their own, but together they heal each other, they are whole. Kate, I am broken without you in my life.”
“Until she had been subjected to some of the worst experiences a human being can go through and felt the emotions so far from happiness that happiness wasn’t even a speck on their horizon, she couldn’t have fully felt real and true happiness. Happiness is the face of someone who loves you.”
“She was beautiful and fierce, but delicate and broken. She loved to fight and fought to love. She took on the demons of the world as if it was nothing, handling herself with dignity at every step.”
From Untainted – Book 3:
“How is it that you always manage to see the silver lining in everything, Derrick? I’m bleeding from the head here.”
“That was her absolute favorite thing, feeling him smiling when they kissed. It was more than just lust or desire, and it was more than love. It was happily in love, head over heels in love. It was fairytale love, and ever since they met, Derrick had been slowly transforming into her perfect Prince Charming.”
My Review:
I read 761 pages to write this review, and I would do it again. In addition to the intriguing yet heartbreaking story, I saw and enjoyed a steady progression of an improved writing style as I made my way through the four stories. It was very interesting to watch Ms. Robinson’s prose grow in quality and confidence from book one to the Epilogue after book 3. My jaded heart felt a clench numerous times, and I will also admit to the sting of tears during several devastating and moving moments, particularly those involving her memories her childhood, and moments with his younger sister while they talked about being birds and flying away. I think I will always remember that scene when I see a flock flying overhead. I could intuit from some of the insights provided that this story was written by someone who knows personal pain. I also noticed one of the best and most practical depictions of a dissociative state I have ever read or heard. This was my first Sarah Robinson experience, and since I found myself to have been moved by her talented words, I plan to peruse her listings and add more of her works to my TBR.
The Tainted Series are one of this books you want to read. Kate tells us her story of survival, empowerment falling in love and loss. Not necessary in that order. It gives you a roller coaster of a ride. Some twist and turns and a WTF moment.
Iainted Bodies: This is the first book in The Photographer Trilogy by Sarah Robinson. The main character, Kate Jackson, lives alone in Washington, DC and works for her "uncle" Lenny. He is a childhood friend of her father. The story begins with Kate walking up to a podium to give a speech to law enforcement. This hints that the story is going to be bigger than we know. Kate has suffered unimaginable trauma when she was 6 years old. Her mother used this for attention and her father calls her a liar. This shaped how she views life, and how not to trust that anyone will have your back when things go wrong. Her closest trusted family to her is her little sister Annie. Annie lives in New York City. They are very close because when they were young, their mother left them and their father turned to booze and died when Kate was in middle school. Annie is the only true family Kate has left. She meets a man named Derrick one day at a coffee shop and soon they are dating. Derrick has a lot of baggage just like Kate does. Slowly we learn what all is holding him back from getting serious with Kate. After a few months, they go on vacation to a bed and breakfast in Delaware. Things go really well and her life is looking good. When they return, really horrible things happen to Kate and she has trouble dealing with the aftermath. She struggles to do the right things and just when she is at her lowest point, Derrick does something bad. How she reacts and deals with all of this is what the story is about. I liked the different direction this story moves in. It is a breath of fresh air, completely different then other books of the same genre. This book has mystery, suspense, romance, intrigue. It is the whole package. I am looking forward to seeing how this trilogy plays out, and if you like a deeper story, but don't want gritty, this is a good place to start. Although the subject matter could be graphic, Sarah has written this as to not be so in your face like some books. I found myself getting frustrated with the characters, which for me is a good thing. When you start looking at the characters as if they are real, then the author has done a wonderful job of bringing them to life. This is a very interesting start to a very interesting trilogy, and I for one, won't miss a page. Check it out for yourself! Tainted pictures: This second installment in the Photography Trilogy is absolutely amazing. I was hooked from page one. This book takes the story to a whole new level. If you enjoyed the first book, you are gonna love this one! Kate begins to take back her power and go from victim to empowered woman. She is learning to trust Derrick again. And she opens up to him and shares all of her demons with him. He is trying to win her trust back and feels awful for how he treated her when she needed him most. He has a ways to go and I find that I wished he would tell the cops all that he has learned. The detectives in this case are very dedicated to finding the creep that attacked her, and as she shares all of what happened to her, they start finding out how far this crime might go. This book is action packed and there are so many plot twists and turns, I could not put this book down for a second. The ending of this book will blow your mind and I cannot wait to see how the story ends. This book grips you from start to finish, and it is quite a ride. Untainted: I have followed this series since its inception, and this final book in the series is by far the best book! Sarah has out done herself on this one. The first few pages of this book had my stomach hovering somewhere near my shoes, I do not think I took a breath until the last page of Chapter 1. Holy cow! Do not read this book if you cannot stand being on the edge of your comfy reading chair. I am pretty sure I aged a bit from the first page until the last. This book proved that no one is safe, crappy things happen to good people, life is not fair, and through it all- love isn't everything, it is the only thing. After Tainted Bodies and Tainted Pictures, we were all hanging on the cliff because something bad had happened. Well, the wait is over. Something very bad has happened. And no, I am not telling what that is. But those left behind have to come together and find the Photographer. Fast. The twists and turns this roller coaster travels on threw me for a loop many times over. Kate needed justice. I hoped she feels she got it. We get to see new sides of Liz, Annie, Derrick, and the photographer. Some things you may have wondered like why Kate are answered. And I am very happy with how the ending played out, to a point. The author had done a remarkable job of having this series play out like it could in real life, not just going and giving us a perfect happily ever after. It is a brilliant read. For those who have toiled along side me waiting for this book, your wait is over, and it was soooo worth the wait. And to Sarah Robinson, bravo baby, you blew it out of the park! If you haven't read the trilogy, all I can say is why not? Go grab them all! And buckle up, it is going to be a bumpy ride!
This is the best of the 3 books in this trilogy. It is a great ending to the series. It picks up right where book 2 ends, not skipping a beat. At the end of the 2nd book, Tainted Pictures, we were left wondering where Kate was taken, or if it was her that was dead in her apartment. We find out in this book, who it is.
Kate has been kidnapped by the Photographer, a demented serial rapist/murderer. I had an idea of who the Photographer was, I was right, but I had no clue about the reasons why he was doing it. Until Annie figured it out. Tainted Bodies, Book 1
I am so happy that I read this book, I can't wait to start on the next one. It did start out a little slow for me, but once you get to around the 50% mark, it really picks up and I couldn't put it down! I started it last night, but sleep got in the way, so finished this morning.
Kate is just your normal girl, at least from what everyone sees, and she shows them. But, she has some demons from her past. I really wanted to slap her parents, thankfully they aren't around anymore, but what they did to her, should, and could have, really messed her up. I'm not going to go into detail about it though, I don't want to give anything away that happens.
One morning while getting her morning coffee before work, she meets Derrick. Things take off with them. She wants a commitment after about 6 months and he's nervous because of what has happened to him with other relationships. I did really like Derrick at first. But lost some respect for him after what happened to Kate. How could you just walk out on someone that needs you, after you find out what happened to her? I thought that was a bad move, on his part. He says he loves her, but after that, I wasn't too sure. He did redeem himself a little. I hope he tells Kate what he saw the morning that she went to the police station.
This is a great start to the series. I'm mad at myself for not reading it sooner.
Tainted Pictures, Book 2
This is a great continuation of Kate's story. I really enjoyed reading it and had a hard time putting it down. You do need to read Tainted Bodies before you read this book though.
Kate is recovering from her brutal attack. She is a really strong woman. She's using this attack to make her life better. Yes, she has some struggles and set backs along the way, but she's getting there. She is helping the police with the case.
The case has progressed to multiple victims. Kate is the only survivor. He is a serial killer. When will he go after Kate again? I did have 2 suspensions of how her attacker was, before the police started questioning the first one. I was right with one of my picks, he was actually the first one that I thought it could be. The way that Sarah writes though, I wasn't 100% sure until it actually came out.
This book does end in a cliff hanger, but the final book is out already, so no waiting for it.
Untainted, Book 3
The first half of the book, is Kate going through everything that the Photographer is doing to her. His past and reasons all come out when he tells her. And he tells her why she is where he has taken her. He thinks everything will come to be a full circle for him. This guy is seriously crazy. Well, Crazy is too nice of a word to describe him.
To me, Derrick, has been completely redeemed for how he acted when Kate was first raped and he left her in the hospital. You can see the changes that both Kate and Derrick have made. They are both different people. Kate has become such a strong woman now.
There are a few deaths in this book, I'm not going to say who dies, you'll need to read it to find out. I had problems putting this book down while I was reading it. The only time I did put it down was to take care of my sick daughter.
"Fly away, baby girl. Be Happy. I'll see you again one day."
In the end, Kate won. What happened to her would have broken most people. But it made her stronger and a better person.
Sarah Robinson’s The Photographer Trilogy Box Set is a Crime Romance, a dark and heavy read that I could not bring myself to put down. It contains Tainted Bodies, Tainted Pictures, and Untainted.
It starts off hard and heavy with Tainted Bodies. Romance, past traumas, sisterhood, secrets, betrayals and a horrific crime that occurs now—it doesn't seem like it would all fit together into a book that would leave ME wanting more. But it worked together flawlessly. It was real, raw and gritty—full of secrets, lies, mysteries and evasions which lead you up to a cliffhanger and breathlessly waiting for the second book in this series. Yet it also had another side to the book—the budding of a new relationship between Kate and Derrick, the close bond between sisters and the incredible chemistry between Kate and Derrick.
One of the things I liked the most about Sarah’s writing was how utterly flawed and imperfect her characters were. Where usually we all dream about the knight in shining armor who swoops in and saves the day…let’s be honest we don’t see it every day. Derrick has flashes of the charming, dreamy, handsome, romantic man of our dreams and then there is that slightly mysterious, secretive commitment phobe side. Kate is dissatisfied at her job, yet is still there accepting promotions, all the while wishing and dreaming about something different. She is incredibly strong yet at the same time still broken inside. When she meets Derrick, their instantaneous connection starts off a relationship that truly excites Kate. However they are not exactly in the same page.
Tainted Pictures has Kate and Derrick growing, both as individuals and as a couple. Kate is searching for and finding her inner strength and purpose in her life. Derrick is coming to terms with his treatment of Kate and becoming a much stronger man. As a couple they are learning to trust each other. Whenever they are together their chemistry is just undeniable—sparks fly, as do clothes!
One of the true gifts in this book is the multiple characters we come into contact with. Being able to see the story from several different viewpoints was fascinating to me. I loved that we were able to view the action from both Kate and Derrick’s perspective but then also from the Detectives, Liz Snow and Mike McCraig’s. It made the book deeper, richer and more alive as we cling to our e-readers desperate to figure out who is leaving pictures. Who is The Photographer?
Untainted wraps up all of the unanswered questions that you have had along the way. It also takes you on a wild emotional ride. From the very start when we find out who The Photographer left dead in the apartment, to the kidnapping and everything that happens straight through to the end of the book. Be prepared for action, drama, twists and turns, heart break, romance and incredibly sweet moments that will just reach in and squeeze your heart.
The emotional journey these characters have been on, has at times been difficult to witness - yet their strength even when they have broken down, to overcome all of the adversity is awe inspiring. Knowing that it is in part based on true experiences just makes it that much more so. In Untainted, all of the characters continue to grow both personally and within the various relationships they have formed. In turn it has caused me to become that much more attached to each and every one of them. Making some of the book that much harder to read, and other parts that much more beautiful. (Vague, I know! But, really do you want me to give something away?!)
I definitely recommend this box set. It is one that will not leave you anytime soon.
I read all three books in the series and reviewed them separately, so this is a review of the trilogy as a whole. As you will see from my comments on my individual reviews, the books got better and better as I read. I didn't really connect with the first book, but the second and third book blew me away! A trilogy I think is worth reading.
First book: This is the first book I've read from this author and I really enjoyed it. Like many books, there were high points, and low points for me. But I still really liked this story and will get into more details about what I liked later in my review.
Pros: 1) I liked the main character, Kate, and think she's a relatable character. 2) The author talked about a subject matter that many authors are afraid to write about, so I really respect that.
Cons: 1) Repetition. The author uses a lot of the same words and adjectives in the book, sometimes multiple times on the same page. I'm not usually distracted by grammar when I read a book, but this distracted me a lot. Still, the story was interesting so I tried to ignore it.
Second book comments: I want to applaud this author for writing such a compelling, yet, heartbreaking story. I don't think I could have written something so beautiful, heartbreaking, and inspiring. The author really knows how to make, us, as readers, feel everything that Kate is going through, the good and the bad. You can't help but want to cry with Kate, smile with her, and want to wrap her into a hug and tell her everything will be alright.
I didn't connect with Kate's character in the first book, but I felt really connected to her in this book. Kate was so strong in this book, she made me realize that life is precious and you can either let the bad things run over you, rule you, and conquer you, or you can stand up and fight back, living every day to its fullest.
Third book comments: I'm a bit at a lost for words. I'm usually worried about conclusions to trilogies/series because I'm sometimes left feeling as if the book isn't concluded or the ending is weak, compared to the beginning of the book, or the series as a whole. But I thoroughly enjoyed the ending to this trilogy. I feel as if I have all the answers I've been wondering since book one, loved the plot-line to this book, and I really appreciated all the life lessons, and general lessons, I learned from these books.
I highly recommend this book to everyone! You'll love everything about this trilogy, from the character development, to the overall plot of the trilogy.
My favorite quotes:
"She was beautiful and fierce, but delicate and broken. She loved to fight and fought to love."
"To a beauty that never tarnishes, no matter the hardships she faces and to a love that never ends, no matter the mistakes he had made."
"To every man and woman who has looked evil in the face and can still hold their head high, still love, and still remember that there is good in the world if you are willing to look for it. Lastly, and most importantly, to everyone who has learned that the evil we've seen and the evil we've been, will never define who we are inside. The world might be tainted, but we don't have to be."
"If you work in the exact opposite direction, then how is that perfect? You're going seriously out of your way." "Because now I can talk to you the whole way there, and think about you the whole way back."
This trilogy is so very well written. The story just absolutely gripping.
Book 1 I absolutely devoured this series. I had such a hard time putting this book down. A very fast enjoyable read that had me smiling, laughing, gasping and yelling NO NO NO at my Kindle.
You meet Kate who has survived a terrible ordeal as a child that you'll learn more about. Something no one let alone a child should have to live through. She meets Derrick who makes you just fall in love with his shy commitment phobia butt. lol
She has issues and so does he. Can they work through them? Well ya gotta read it to find out.
Then comes the OMG moment where I yelled at my Kindle. I won't ruin it for anyone but I will say I "felt" it while reading it. The pain, horror, sorrow..all of it. The author nailed this book. Every emotion was so brilliantly written.
Book 2.
After that emotional ride of book 1 you have Kate who is the fighter she has always been. Trying to help the police find the person that hurt her also dubbed "The Photographer." Kate finds her strength with the help of her love Derrick. But it's not all happy days for them and they also have some issues to overcome.
Kate's relationships with her sister Annie and also the detectives working on the case to catch her assailant are so well written. The connection that Kate and her sister Annie share is so real it's like you know them personally. You can feel all the ups and downs that they go through together. All while there's a killer on the loose tormenting Kate and letting her know he is still watching her.
This book flowed so well and I had it done in one day. Just couldn't put it down.
Book 3
It's the conclusion of the series and you will find out who the Photographer is. If you loved the first two books you will not be disappointed with the ending of this story. But be warned it gets very deep and you will feel it. Subject matter can be hard for some so please know that ahead of time.
The highs were great the LOWS were so very low. To the point I was literally yelling at my kindle "NO NO NO..that can't happen." But it did. People die, people get hurt, people live......people overcome.
Also, I just loved the Epilogue. Not wanting to spoil it but I just loved it. Perfect way to end this book.
I gotta say that Sarah Robinson nailed this book. But what really got me is what the author put out there for everyone to read. Some of this is a true story...her story. After the epilogue she goes into a little detail of what she herself has had the strength to overcome. So for that, for her being able to put that out there for everyone to read, you get my upmost respect. Well done.
Review for Tainted Bodies Characters were well rounded everyday people. I loved this. I love the feeling you get when you read a book and you can relate to the characters. In this book we meet Kate Jackson who is working in a furniture store. She seems to have the same morning routine that includes stoping into the corner coffee shop daily on her way to work. One morning she meets Derrick Kane, at the coffee shop, when he uses this cheesey type of pick up skit with her. As the book goes on we learn more about Kate's past and events from her childhood. And all the things she has had to overcome. We also learn why Derrick has commitment issues. Together they help each other figure things out. But before they can get to that point certain tramatizing events happen. While these events take place I found myself wanting to slap Kate for choices she made. (Over time she fixes those choices.) And Derrick left me wanting to karate chop him in the throat for walking out in her time of need. When the end came I was shocked. I was left wanting more. Needing more. I want answers. I can't wait until the next book comes out. Hopefully some of those answer will be in that book and I won't have to completely wait for book three. The suspense of who did this is eating me alive! Review for Tainted Pictures I was a Beta reader for Tainted Pictures the second book in The Photographer Trilogy. I loved Tainted Bodies. But Tainted Picures goes more in depth on the search for the person who attacked Kate. We learn more on how Kate is picking up the pieces to her life and moving on. She will not be a victim. She will stand tall. Or will she? Then we have Derrick. The boyfriend we all loved to hate in book one. This time around he is a stand up guy. He is there for Kate to love and support her. To protect her. But can he keep his promises? The suspense in this book draws you in more. It leads you to think it's one person, and then another. It keeps you guess right up to the end. Literally. Review for Untainted This is the third and finale book of The Photography Trilogy. When Tainted Pictures ended we were left with one hell of a cliffhanger. So the wait killed me. I feel like I needed to know the answers to all of my questions! When the long awaited day finally arrived I couldn't put the book down. All of my questions were slowly getting answered, and everything was falling into place. Untainted was written to really draw you into the story line. You felt like you were on the journey with the characters. While everything was finally answered and the entire puzzle was together I am sad that the trilogy is now over. I really enjoyed reading the overall trilogy.
This truly is a wonderful read, and series that will stay with you after you’ve finished.
‘Tainted Bodies’
I was completely intrigued to see where the story and characters would go. Well, let’s just say I was absolutely surprised by the whole book. I was soon so engulfed in the story, the characters and the events which were occurring that I completely devoured it and was left with wanting more at the end. The pace of the book is steady and doesn’t feel rushed at all. You can almost believe that you’re looking in to Kate and Derrick’s life and watching it unfold before your eyes. It truly is a remarkable piece of writing.
‘Tainted Pictures’
Wow...just Wow!!! If you loved ‘Tainted Bodies’ then you’re definitely going to love ‘Tainted Pictures’. Full of even more twists and unexpected turns, Sarah has completely blown me away yet again with this second instalment to the ‘Photographer Trilogy’. She pulls us in and keeps us turning the pages and on the edges of our seats until the very end. I loved the suspense, and just when you think you’ve worked out who ‘the photographer’ is, you hit a dead end. Sarah keeps you guessing and wracking your brain up until the last page.
‘Untainted’
‘Untainted’ is one hell of an ending to what has turned out to be one my favourite series this year. It will leave you gasping for breath and your heart lodged in your throat. You’ll cry, sigh, laugh and by the end have you fist pumping the air shouting “BOOM. In Your Face”!!!!! Sarah; Thank you for this book, this series. I am undoubtedly in love with it and I am so happy with how everything turned out. And to read that part of it is based on personal experience---I take my hat off to you. You have definitely taken back what was once attempted to be taken.
Sarah’s writing is flawless and her ability to let the words just flow off the page seamlessly makes it feel that much more real. The plot line is very much real and the situations that occur ... Well they could appear in the headlines at any time. The characters are very well developed and you can’t help but feel connected to them. It’s raw, and it’s real.....It’s as simple as that really.
~~I received this in exchange for an honest review~~
Where do I even begin? This series is one of those that when you start reading it, you cannot put it down at all. No matter what is going on, you have to know what happens. I can tell you that there were many times that I was crying so hard, I wanted to put it down but I didn't. I read through it and I am glad that I did.
I would call this series a psychological thriller. It has its sexy parts in it. The lovey parts, but it also has a dark side to it. If you have ever watched Criminal Minds before you are going to love this series. Even if you haven't seen an episode (I forgive you) you will love this series.
Sarah Robinson writes with a passion that no one can dampen. The intensity that she puts in this series will leave you at the edge of your seat. You have no clue what is going to happen, and just when you think you have it figured out, you get thrown a curve ball and you strike out. The emotion that Sarah puts into this series is huge. She has to have a strong heart and a very super duper strong support system in order to write this book.
After I finished this book I couldn't stop thinking about it. I made me think that this is stuff that happens in real life. This is the kind of story that you hear about on Americas Most Wanted or even Unsolved Mysteries (The ones with Robert Stack). I applaud Sarah for writing such a great series that literally kept me up all night just trying to get over such a powerful series. You will be very disappointed if you do not read this series. I have found a new author to follow and read every one of her books. If her other books are just as powerful as this series is, well, then she has kept me hooked. She has a reader for life!!
Book 1 You can tell the author took her time writing it because the characters are well developed and there's an in depth and intricate (not convoluted) plot. I'm usually in love with crime/police plots and I love a good book with drama and action. Not only was it well written, but it seemed very real; I appreciate that in a book. Can't wait to dive into the next one! Book 2 If you read the first one and thought it was just mediocre, then you're in for a treat because the second installment of the Photographer Trilogy is stunning! I have chills after finishing this book. After the first book, I loved the romance mixed with the criminal element but I felt like it lacked more of that story and that it could have been developed earlier in the story. That is not the case with this book; this is full of suspense, drama, and looking for clues to figure out who the culprit is. You get a further development of the characters and you get a read on the previous victims. This book was amazing! Book 3 Sarah has done it again! If you liked the first two books in this series you will be tickled pink by the finale. I was crying more than once, angry, and laughing by the finish. The love story of Derrick and Kate is not like any other. Their struggles are real and you can feel it. What a emotional roller-coaster! But, it was well worth the ride! My only regret is that I didn't finish it sooner! An absolute MUST READ!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series. I found the plot to be intriguing, the characters were very relatable, and it was incredibly well written. I think Sarah took a very serious, traumatic situation and told it with great detail, pulling at the heart strings in just the right way. I really loved the main characters, Kate was very strong willed, even though everything that was happening to her and around her was enough to break a person, she refused to give up. She was a great heroine and I think her story can really help people that have gone through similar difficult situations. To be honest early on I thought I had it figured out, who the killer was, which if I was correct I would have been disappointed. However this series happily surprised me and I never saw the ending coming. That is a true sign of a suspense story being told correctly. I think Sarah has an amazing talent for writing and I really enjoyed her books. Her characters are multi-dimensional, and really add all different aspects to the story. The dialogue was strong and the tension kept the reader intrigued. All around I think all three books were very good and enjoyable. I look forward to reading more work from Sarah; I believe she is a rare find.
Masterfully written and depicting a realism that will bring these events to your mind in full technicolor, this trilogy deals with the horrors of rape and brutal attack by a serial killer. This is not for readers with a faint heart. Kate is endearing and what she experiences is what every woman fears most.
Here we have a series full of mystery and suspense, as well as an emotional love story to steal any tender heart. My heart was galloping and I was holding my breath when I reached the end of Book 2. Things could not get any worse. In the conclusion of this trilogy you will experience a roller coaster of emotions. It is fast moving and fraught with perils. Lives are at stake and The Photographer could not care less who else dies along the way. He must finish what he started years before and he will not be deterred.
I sat at the edge of my seat pouring through these pages. This has been a trilogy to remember as one of the most exciting and at the same time heart wrenching stories I have read in a while. Prepare yourselves!
This book has romance and mystery. I love the characters. Kate is a strong woman that at first doesn't see herself as strong until she is attached and her life is turned upside down. Kate's sisters Annie is strong and free willed but has stood by her sister through her roughest times. Kate's boyfriend Derrick is witty and loves Kate with a passion but their relationship hits a bump in the road when she gets attached. Throughout the book you will see Derrick grow as a man while both Kate and him grow in their relationship. Kate has gone through so much in her life already but she hasn't experienced nothing yet. This book takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed and cried through each book. I'm glad I bought the boxed set because if I had to wait to get the the second and third books I would have been an emotional wreck. The first and second book leaves you asking what happened and how will it end for Kate. I loved the ending of the story and how Kate is able to forgive to make her family whole again.
I've been a fan of this trilogy, it is by far one of my favorite crime related books. Here are an excerpt of my reviews in each book:
*TAINTED PICTURES 5 CRIME - CLIFFY- STARS
Wow! AMAZINGLY written.. I can't even fathom what i feel while reading this and most specially after... The story is so detailed, i can't put it down. This is not the typical NA romance.. For those of you who are looking for a breather this book is for you and if you are a fan of CSI or Criminal Minds well, you will definitely love this book.
I had posted separate reviews of the 3 books separately but wanted to add my review for the box set. Definitely worth getting the trio together because books 1 &2 are cliff hangers and you must keep reading. Kate has had a pretty difficult upbringing it is just her and her sister Annie and their Uncle Lenny. She isn't really living her life, she has a degree in psychology and wants to help people but she is working in her uncle's office furniture store. She meet Derek at the coffee shop she visits on her way to work. He is pretty closed off and seems to have his own issues. The story has some major twists and turns and intense things happen to Kate. Derek has the wrong reaction and has to win back her trust. The story is suspenseful and the police are so well written. I found the writing amazing and definitely recommend this to all, I don't read a lot of crime/suspense writing but this was so good.
Tainted Bodies This was an awesome read. I could not put it down and proceeded to carry the book with me until I was finished. You cannot help but fall in love with these characters and the story leaves you needing to know what happens next. Looking forward to reading what happens next. This is a must read. No doubt about it.
Tainted Pictures I really enjoyed reading this book and could not put it down. This book kept my interest from the very beginning and then once I got to the end needed book 3, immediately. This was a great read with great characters.
Untainted I could not put this down. IT was such an amazing read. It moved along at a great pace, has awesome characters and a story that will not let you down. I could not put this down once I started and carried it around with me until I was done and even then, it was like, WOW. This has to be read.
This box series is one of the best I've read in along time. Sarah's writing draws you in and builds the storyline slowly but surely in the first book, giving a great base to increase the tempo in the second. All the while keeping the suspense and mystery until an ultimate crescendo in the ending of the second book. I couldn't wait to dive into book 3. I was desperate to find out what happened. The characters have a genuine dialogue and 'feel' to them I think everyone will fall in love with them all. This is wonderfully written with storyline that you are eager to follow. It hooked me from the start and I read all three back to back. There is romance, suspense and mystery everything that you will ever need! Highly recommended.