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Blood and Bone #1
Blood and Bone
What would you do if your life was a lie—and everyone knew but you?
Jane has come a long way from the dark days of the horrific car accident that robbed her of many memories. Living the life of a shopgirl with a charming boyfriend—a handsome, green-eyed doctor named Derek—is so satisfying that she doesn’t want to revisit her past.
But the past insists on revisiting Jane. People keep thinking she’s Samantha, a dead girl who looks exactly like her. Now, Jane is determined to discover her connection to the girl, leading her to question everything from her relationship with Derek to her own sanity. Should she believe Rory, the man who insists she actually is Samantha? Or should she depend on Derek, who offers her love and shelter…but who may have other reasons for keeping her under wraps? Who is telling her the truth—and what are the others hiding?
Revised This edition of Blood and Bone includes editorial revisions.
Jane has come a long way from the dark days of the horrific car accident that robbed her of many memories. Living the life of a shopgirl with a charming boyfriend—a handsome, green-eyed doctor named Derek—is so satisfying that she doesn’t want to revisit her past.
But the past insists on revisiting Jane. People keep thinking she’s Samantha, a dead girl who looks exactly like her. Now, Jane is determined to discover her connection to the girl, leading her to question everything from her relationship with Derek to her own sanity. Should she believe Rory, the man who insists she actually is Samantha? Or should she depend on Derek, who offers her love and shelter…but who may have other reasons for keeping her under wraps? Who is telling her the truth—and what are the others hiding?
Revised This edition of Blood and Bone includes editorial revisions.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 12, 2013
365 people are currently reading
1948 people want to read
About the author
Tara Brown
116 books2,378 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
Pen names for Tara Brown
- Tara Brown for science fiction and fantasy (primary author name)
- Sophie Starr for darker books
- Amy March for romantic comedies
- A.E. Watson
- T.L. Brown
- Erin Leigh
- Meg Browne
Caution: Author uses multiple pen names on the same book (different releases/editions). GR policy dictates that the name on the first release remain primary on all subsequent releases. The secondary name would be whatever name is on the cover, if different.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 296 reviews
December 29, 2015
This book was completely insane. I read it in one sitting which I think is probably the best way to read it so that you can follow all of the twists and turns. There are so many twists that I do not know how the author kept up with them all. I don't even know how to describe this book. I can honestly say it's like nothing that I have ever read before.
The story begins with a girl named Jane that has amnesia. She only remembers the past three years of her life. In the first chapter, things start happening that make Jane question if she really knows who she is. Throughout the book she doesn't know who she can trust and neither do you. I went from trusting characters to not trusting them and then trusting them...then not trusting them again. Finally I realized that I just didn't have a clue as to who anyone really was and who was telling the truth. I never completely loved any of the characters because you really can't when you can't be sure of anyone's intentions, interests, loyalties, or even sanity sometimes. I can say with almost complete certainty that you will not see the ending coming. This book was dark, interesting, fast paced, surprising, absolutely confusing pretty much all of the time, and I loved every minute of it.
I can't give this book five stars for reasons that I can't figure out how to explain without spoiling the book. I will say that I am absolutely continuing on in this series and will seek out other books to read by this author. This book won't be for everyone but if you like books that make you think, constantly question everything, and are a little out of the box...or just plain weird lol then I think you should give this book a try. 4.5 stars
The story begins with a girl named Jane that has amnesia. She only remembers the past three years of her life. In the first chapter, things start happening that make Jane question if she really knows who she is. Throughout the book she doesn't know who she can trust and neither do you. I went from trusting characters to not trusting them and then trusting them...then not trusting them again. Finally I realized that I just didn't have a clue as to who anyone really was and who was telling the truth. I never completely loved any of the characters because you really can't when you can't be sure of anyone's intentions, interests, loyalties, or even sanity sometimes. I can say with almost complete certainty that you will not see the ending coming. This book was dark, interesting, fast paced, surprising, absolutely confusing pretty much all of the time, and I loved every minute of it.
I can't give this book five stars for reasons that I can't figure out how to explain without spoiling the book. I will say that I am absolutely continuing on in this series and will seek out other books to read by this author. This book won't be for everyone but if you like books that make you think, constantly question everything, and are a little out of the box...or just plain weird lol then I think you should give this book a try. 4.5 stars
March 26, 2015
2.5 stars
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Tara Brown, Amazon Publishing , and NetGalley.)
“Remember, I told you how there was a case of mistaken identity with Samantha Barnes? The dead man is the one who mistook me for her. And now he’s dead.”
This book was just… odd.
I really don’t know where to start with this one, because even after reading the whole book, I am still having problems really understanding who the main character was, because there were so many twists thrown in here, so many false identities and lies, that I’m not really sure I know any of the characters in this book at all.
“I go to bed, convincing myself that it doesn’t matter. I am Jane, and Samantha and her crazy life are over.”
The storyline in this really confused me, and even when I wasn’t confused, I still couldn’t be sure that I really understood what was going on. I found the first half of this book pretty boring, and then the second half just kept flinging so many different things at me that I didn’t know if I was coming or going! Who was Jane really? Who was Derek really?
“Yes, we were identical. Yes, we both had a terrible car accident. Yes, we named our cats the very same strange name.
But my life is on the other side of the country, and I lived through my tragedy.”
There was some romance, and several (sometimes rough) sex scenes, and I had to laugh at the way people kept referring to Derek as having a ‘magic cock’ – to the point where one chapter was actually called that!
“He’s a surgeon and a humanitarian and a good cook.”
He bites his lip, furrowing his dark brow. “Right, and he’s got a magic cock.”
The ending to this was still confusing, and while I think I have an idea of what happened, I’m still not sure that that is what actually happened. I really don’t think I have the motivation to read the next book in this series.
5 out of 10
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Tara Brown, Amazon Publishing , and NetGalley.)
“Remember, I told you how there was a case of mistaken identity with Samantha Barnes? The dead man is the one who mistook me for her. And now he’s dead.”
This book was just… odd.
I really don’t know where to start with this one, because even after reading the whole book, I am still having problems really understanding who the main character was, because there were so many twists thrown in here, so many false identities and lies, that I’m not really sure I know any of the characters in this book at all.
“I go to bed, convincing myself that it doesn’t matter. I am Jane, and Samantha and her crazy life are over.”
The storyline in this really confused me, and even when I wasn’t confused, I still couldn’t be sure that I really understood what was going on. I found the first half of this book pretty boring, and then the second half just kept flinging so many different things at me that I didn’t know if I was coming or going! Who was Jane really? Who was Derek really?
“Yes, we were identical. Yes, we both had a terrible car accident. Yes, we named our cats the very same strange name.
But my life is on the other side of the country, and I lived through my tragedy.”
There was some romance, and several (sometimes rough) sex scenes, and I had to laugh at the way people kept referring to Derek as having a ‘magic cock’ – to the point where one chapter was actually called that!
“He’s a surgeon and a humanitarian and a good cook.”
He bites his lip, furrowing his dark brow. “Right, and he’s got a magic cock.”
The ending to this was still confusing, and while I think I have an idea of what happened, I’m still not sure that that is what actually happened. I really don’t think I have the motivation to read the next book in this series.
5 out of 10
March 6, 2015
Holy fucking shit !!! Mind=blown ! Brain=fuck ed !!
December 7, 2016
This book is perfect for someone who enjoys reading about alternate dream worlds and the manipulation of the subconscious mind. For me, this story was an alright suspenseful read with lots of puzzling twists and delicate clues to organize, but it wasn't thrilling, captivating, or intense.
I felt indifferent towards all of the characters except one, but it didn't matter because the ENTIRE story ran in circles until the final two chapters which revealed that most of the main story wasirrelevant to begin with a shy precursor to book two. I can understand how captivating the ending will be for a lot of readers, but I found it to be mostly disappointing. I liked the epilogue, though.
I felt indifferent towards all of the characters except one, but it didn't matter because the ENTIRE story ran in circles until the final two chapters which revealed that most of the main story was
September 14, 2020
Weird, incongruous and confusing.
May 1, 2015
Talk about a mind f*** Jesus christ this one almost takes the cake!!!!
This is my first Tara book and it will NOT be my last. She has a writing style that is unique. How she wound this story is really something else.
This book is a mind F*** for sure. One minute you might think you have something figured out only to turn the page and be saying to yourself WTF is going on here. Once I thought I had it figured out and BAMM I was slammed with another situation and I was blown away once it all came together.
Jane Spears thought she had a normal life. She works in a little shop and is dating a Doctor name Derek. She had suffered an accident which left her with Amnesia of everything prior to three years ago. But life in general was great for her. She lived happy and lived with a routine. Everything seemed totally normal to her, until one day someone called her Samantha.
Thinking it was a case of mistaken identity Jane lets it go and continues on her way. As she starts to have questions going around in her head she decides to check out this person Samantha via Google. What she finds shocks her. She looks like her, has a cat with the same name. This must be a mistake, or did she have a twin sister she did not know about?
I can tell you now, you will think you can predict what is going to happen but I can assure you what you may think is happening is not at all what is truly going on.
Derek, one minute I loved him and the next I thought he was creepy. Is Derek truly on her side or is he hiding things from her? As she asks questions Derek’s answers just do not add up for her. So she sets out to find out what truly is going on.
With a lot of twists and turns. You wonder what is what and which way is the right way. One thing I can say for sure Tara leaves you guessing until the bitter end.
There is another book after this one, and I will say I was good where this one ended. Although I am highly anticipating the release of the next one. I will be stalking Tara for it I am sure.
This is my first Tara book and it will NOT be my last. She has a writing style that is unique. How she wound this story is really something else.
This book is a mind F*** for sure. One minute you might think you have something figured out only to turn the page and be saying to yourself WTF is going on here. Once I thought I had it figured out and BAMM I was slammed with another situation and I was blown away once it all came together.
Jane Spears thought she had a normal life. She works in a little shop and is dating a Doctor name Derek. She had suffered an accident which left her with Amnesia of everything prior to three years ago. But life in general was great for her. She lived happy and lived with a routine. Everything seemed totally normal to her, until one day someone called her Samantha.
Thinking it was a case of mistaken identity Jane lets it go and continues on her way. As she starts to have questions going around in her head she decides to check out this person Samantha via Google. What she finds shocks her. She looks like her, has a cat with the same name. This must be a mistake, or did she have a twin sister she did not know about?
I can tell you now, you will think you can predict what is going to happen but I can assure you what you may think is happening is not at all what is truly going on.
Derek, one minute I loved him and the next I thought he was creepy. Is Derek truly on her side or is he hiding things from her? As she asks questions Derek’s answers just do not add up for her. So she sets out to find out what truly is going on.
With a lot of twists and turns. You wonder what is what and which way is the right way. One thing I can say for sure Tara leaves you guessing until the bitter end.
There is another book after this one, and I will say I was good where this one ended. Although I am highly anticipating the release of the next one. I will be stalking Tara for it I am sure.
February 1, 2019
Great mystery
I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this book, but it quickly caught my attention. It was filled with a different, yet interesting type of mystery, that was very enjoyable. I’d certainly recommend reading it. It’s not for anyone under 18 due to language and sex. What was good though was that the sex wasn’t just for sex, it was an excellent story that had more explicit sex scenes. I like that, I personally don’t like a book just for sex scenes. However I don’t mind when there in a good story. Also, some books just aren’t what they seem in the beginning:) this book threw me off in a good way.
I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this book, but it quickly caught my attention. It was filled with a different, yet interesting type of mystery, that was very enjoyable. I’d certainly recommend reading it. It’s not for anyone under 18 due to language and sex. What was good though was that the sex wasn’t just for sex, it was an excellent story that had more explicit sex scenes. I like that, I personally don’t like a book just for sex scenes. However I don’t mind when there in a good story. Also, some books just aren’t what they seem in the beginning:) this book threw me off in a good way.
August 30, 2015
☆☆☆☆ 4 Monsters in the Layers Stars ☆☆☆☆
I am not going to lie.... THIS BOOK CONFUSED THE SHIT OUT OF ME , but in the strangest and best ways possible.
This book revolves around Jane and her life weaved into many layers that involves Rory and Benjamin.
Honestly, I won't tell you what this story is about because it has so many layers involving quite a few people. You will not fully understand the darkness that Jane lives in.
The transfer of characters and their lives leaves you wondering if you actually missed parts.
Jane's mind is crossed into the minds of other people who are involved with horrible crimes.....called mind running.
To keep herself attached to her own life she has to create memories that aren't necessarily real, but involve pieces of her past and present.
Luckily, for all us confused readers, answers come at the end with a good dose of love and happiness.
I have NEVER read a book like this.
If you need a good psychological twister, then this book is for you.
There is a book 2 & 3 that I will definitely be reading, but my brain needs a break before I need my own mind runner to bring me back to reality.
I applaud you Tara Brown....that was crazy goodness!!
I am not going to lie.... THIS BOOK CONFUSED THE SHIT OUT OF ME , but in the strangest and best ways possible.
This book revolves around Jane and her life weaved into many layers that involves Rory and Benjamin.
Honestly, I won't tell you what this story is about because it has so many layers involving quite a few people. You will not fully understand the darkness that Jane lives in.
The transfer of characters and their lives leaves you wondering if you actually missed parts.
Jane's mind is crossed into the minds of other people who are involved with horrible crimes.....called mind running.
To keep herself attached to her own life she has to create memories that aren't necessarily real, but involve pieces of her past and present.
Luckily, for all us confused readers, answers come at the end with a good dose of love and happiness.
I have NEVER read a book like this.
If you need a good psychological twister, then this book is for you.
There is a book 2 & 3 that I will definitely be reading, but my brain needs a break before I need my own mind runner to bring me back to reality.
I applaud you Tara Brown....that was crazy goodness!!
December 4, 2016
This is a weird, crime thriller with a touch of futuristic science thrown it. It is hard to do a review without spoilers. Things between a husband and wife, who love each other dearly, go terribly wrong when government agencies get involved. A pretty good "out there" mystery surrounding serial killers.
August 20, 2015
Five omg stars! •••••
I absolutely loved this author's "Born" trilogy. So, I've been waiting patiently for this series to complete so I could get my hands on it.
The Basic Scoop
Who am I?
We meet Jane, who had an accident three years prior to the start of the book and still can't remember her old life. She isn't even sure if she wants to remember. Intuition tells her it might not be safe to remember her past. All she (we) know is that she has a doctor boyfriend that she thinks is too good for her, a song with odd lyrics, and an ability (whatever that means.) She's content with the unknown and tries to avoid thinking about her past but, when strangers start referring to her as Samantha, it sparks her need to ask herself some hard questions.
Ignorance is bliss~ Then, shit gets real ~
Then ~
Then ~
Then ~
And, finally the math adds up~
They Just Don't Make A Big Enough Condom!
Imagine movies like "A Long Kiss Goodnight," "Bonnie and Clyde," "The Cell," & "The Bourne Identity" ... Mash all that shit up and you end up with the gravy that goes atop this complex book.
As the storyline builds, it sways, tumbles, jerks, and fing nosedives to and from the above basic information into a past filled with darkness and unimaginable evils. She doesn't know wtf is going on, who to trust, or what to believe. You, the reader, are in the same predicament.
They just don't make a magnum, super-sized condom to handle the mindfuck this author inflicts on her female MC and her readers.
The female MC is torn between logic and keeping her rose colored glasses on. While her rational subconscious tells her truths & to be leery of everything, the woman she's been conditioned to be is still trying to hold tight to the love and protection of the last three years.
So, who are the bad guys and good guys? Each time you think you know... You don't!
Is it better to know the truth, even if it's bad shit on an epic scale, or not know and maintain a mind blissfully ignorant of truth?
A Magic Cock On A Madman
Let me just say that any book that can have a chapter called "A Magic Cock On A Madman" that doesn't leave me eye-rolling and laughing deserves FIVE twinkling mfing Magic Mike stars!
Bottom Line
Nothing I write here could possible do this justice. It's a book that simply must be read. This author is a master story teller. She has an ability to grab ahold of you by the collar and make you read every fing word as you sometimes curse her, sometimes kneel in awe, and sometimes want to run and hide.
I will warn that this isn't a lighthearted, easy going read with bunnies and rainbows. Abuse, murder, questionable morals, and the alike are all fair game in this book.
Id also say that this book isn't for the reader that wants a clear plot line that takes them from A to B and clears up the suspense between each step. This is a book suited for true suspense lovers that don't mind to get a little dirty along the way & can wait for full understanding between plot points.
NOTE: Why is the blurb for Goodreads different than the blurb on Amazon? Just asking?!?
I absolutely loved this author's "Born" trilogy. So, I've been waiting patiently for this series to complete so I could get my hands on it.
The Basic Scoop
Who am I?
We meet Jane, who had an accident three years prior to the start of the book and still can't remember her old life. She isn't even sure if she wants to remember. Intuition tells her it might not be safe to remember her past. All she (we) know is that she has a doctor boyfriend that she thinks is too good for her, a song with odd lyrics, and an ability (whatever that means.) She's content with the unknown and tries to avoid thinking about her past but, when strangers start referring to her as Samantha, it sparks her need to ask herself some hard questions.
Ignorance is bliss~ Then, shit gets real ~
Then ~
Then ~
Then ~
And, finally the math adds up~
They Just Don't Make A Big Enough Condom!
Imagine movies like "A Long Kiss Goodnight," "Bonnie and Clyde," "The Cell," & "The Bourne Identity" ... Mash all that shit up and you end up with the gravy that goes atop this complex book.
As the storyline builds, it sways, tumbles, jerks, and fing nosedives to and from the above basic information into a past filled with darkness and unimaginable evils. She doesn't know wtf is going on, who to trust, or what to believe. You, the reader, are in the same predicament.
They just don't make a magnum, super-sized condom to handle the mindfuck this author inflicts on her female MC and her readers.
The female MC is torn between logic and keeping her rose colored glasses on. While her rational subconscious tells her truths & to be leery of everything, the woman she's been conditioned to be is still trying to hold tight to the love and protection of the last three years.
So, who are the bad guys and good guys? Each time you think you know... You don't!
Is it better to know the truth, even if it's bad shit on an epic scale, or not know and maintain a mind blissfully ignorant of truth?
A Magic Cock On A Madman
Let me just say that any book that can have a chapter called "A Magic Cock On A Madman" that doesn't leave me eye-rolling and laughing deserves FIVE twinkling mfing Magic Mike stars!
Bottom Line
Nothing I write here could possible do this justice. It's a book that simply must be read. This author is a master story teller. She has an ability to grab ahold of you by the collar and make you read every fing word as you sometimes curse her, sometimes kneel in awe, and sometimes want to run and hide.
I will warn that this isn't a lighthearted, easy going read with bunnies and rainbows. Abuse, murder, questionable morals, and the alike are all fair game in this book.
Id also say that this book isn't for the reader that wants a clear plot line that takes them from A to B and clears up the suspense between each step. This is a book suited for true suspense lovers that don't mind to get a little dirty along the way & can wait for full understanding between plot points.
NOTE: Why is the blurb for Goodreads different than the blurb on Amazon? Just asking?!?
August 23, 2016
If you’ve read the synopsis, you know you are about to read something that will leave you lingering in the story long after that last page. Tara Brown’s Blood and Bone is a dark, twisted tale that makes all other psychological thrillers look tame by comparison. Strap in for a read that is like a kaleidoscope of terror, lies and countless mysteries just begging to be uncovered.
Jane is a normal girl, living a normal life, or is she? When she is approached by someone who will swear that if she isn’t a woman named Samantha, she is her dead ringer. It happens, but Jane begins to feel things, see things and undertakes a search for her “twin.” What she discovers is beyond anything she could have imagined and will send her spiraling into a world of lies, danger and unanswerable questions.
Are things that play back in her mind just wisps of past dreams or is something more sinister going on? Can she trust the man she loves or is he part of a cruel game of hide and seek with her mind?
Dark, chilling and beyond intense, Tara Brown spares nothing in weaving a web of lies and half-truths that will leave one woman hanging on to her sanity by a thread as she races to discover who and what she is.
Jane is a normal girl, living a normal life, or is she? When she is approached by someone who will swear that if she isn’t a woman named Samantha, she is her dead ringer. It happens, but Jane begins to feel things, see things and undertakes a search for her “twin.” What she discovers is beyond anything she could have imagined and will send her spiraling into a world of lies, danger and unanswerable questions.
Are things that play back in her mind just wisps of past dreams or is something more sinister going on? Can she trust the man she loves or is he part of a cruel game of hide and seek with her mind?
Dark, chilling and beyond intense, Tara Brown spares nothing in weaving a web of lies and half-truths that will leave one woman hanging on to her sanity by a thread as she races to discover who and what she is.
April 6, 2015
HOLY SHIT, WHAT DID I JUST READ???
This book is IN-SA-NE!!! Seriously! I love Tara's writing stule and how she can twist a story completely and it makes you keep guessing,,but with this one she outdid herself!
I think this is her best written book so far, and I'm a BIG fan of hers! How did she manage to write it and keep her sanity is a mystery to me!
This is story is CRAZY! And the best way possible...this is the mind f***ck of mind f***cks! Not really dark, but a true mind f***ck!!! No one could have guessed this one! I got pieces of it, but I wasn't close to the truth and I'm pretty good at guessing stories!!!
And she made this work! I can only imagine how hard it'd be to write a story like this one. There are so many turns and so many things to keep up, that she might need time to recover her brain...I know I do!!
Writing a story like this is truly a test for a good writer. She didn't get lost in the story and after all was said and done, everything makes perfect sense. and if you think about it after you finish it, even the minor details, being put in the right perspective, make sense.
I have missed a Tara Brown bookmand this one deliverd everything I was hoping for and more!!!
This book is IN-SA-NE!!! Seriously! I love Tara's writing stule and how she can twist a story completely and it makes you keep guessing,,but with this one she outdid herself!
I think this is her best written book so far, and I'm a BIG fan of hers! How did she manage to write it and keep her sanity is a mystery to me!
This is story is CRAZY! And the best way possible...this is the mind f***ck of mind f***cks! Not really dark, but a true mind f***ck!!! No one could have guessed this one! I got pieces of it, but I wasn't close to the truth and I'm pretty good at guessing stories!!!
And she made this work! I can only imagine how hard it'd be to write a story like this one. There are so many turns and so many things to keep up, that she might need time to recover her brain...I know I do!!
Writing a story like this is truly a test for a good writer. She didn't get lost in the story and after all was said and done, everything makes perfect sense. and if you think about it after you finish it, even the minor details, being put in the right perspective, make sense.
I have missed a Tara Brown bookmand this one deliverd everything I was hoping for and more!!!
March 27, 2015
(I received a copy from Netgalley, In exchange for an honest review.)
I didn't like any of the charaters in this. Half the time I didn't even know who they were!
This was really, really confusing and weird. I had trouble following the story, and had to read bits twice to have some sort of idea. I didn't know who was who half the time because of the twists, and trying to work it all out brang on a headache.
Overall, Not a read I enjoyed, unfortunately.
I didn't like any of the charaters in this. Half the time I didn't even know who they were!
This was really, really confusing and weird. I had trouble following the story, and had to read bits twice to have some sort of idea. I didn't know who was who half the time because of the twists, and trying to work it all out brang on a headache.
Overall, Not a read I enjoyed, unfortunately.
April 14, 2015
"You fell in love with a monster. I never hid what I was or what I did. You knew it all—the only person in the world who had seen the place inside me where there should have been a soul."
I have never been so thoroughly mindfucked in my whole life. This book had me on the edge of my bed, trying to figure out what on God's green earth was happening.
Jane Spears was a normal person living a normal life. She was working in a shop, she was dating a handsome doctor with a magic cock who loved her, flaws and all. Yes, she considered herself as the luckiest woman alive. That was until a mysterious man suddenly mistook her for another person who died six years ago. At first she shrugged it off, there were many people in the world who looked alike but weren't related at all, right? But when her curiosity won and she searched for this twin she had, Jane's world was rocked. Not only did they looked alike down to the scars, the dead person even had her cat named the same as hers.
Questions started swirling in her head and she started to look for some answers. Jane discovered that everything in her life had been a lie, even the love of the person she adored. How much is real love, and how much is lying to protect us?
If you think that the blurb covers the story, think again. It's just the tip of a ginormous iceberg. I'm pretty sure that by the time you finish reading this book, that summary above isn't going to be relevant at all. Even the preceding quote. I'm still trying to process things in my mind while writing this review. That's how big the impact of this story was for me.
"Layers are in there, in our minds. We can't always see inside the layers. We can't stop being who we are in there."
You could hardly predict anything in this book. Just when you thought you have it all figured out, another piece comes out and bam! You're back to where you started, attempting once again to connect dots that wouldn't motherchucking connect at all.
"I need to go back to that place. That beautiful oblivion that sits there waiting for me…"
I loved how clever the characters were made. Tara Bone portrayed her heroine in a way that I could get attached with her easily and I felt myself unraveling with her, gradually getting baffled by everything that's been thrown at me. There were also times when I couldn't explain why a character did something or why s/he was acting like that. But as it turned out, it was all part of the plot.
"…You can run and you can hide, and I will chase you because we are meant to be. We are each other's light."
Now, Derek. He made me go loco. I loved him but at the same time I found him creepy. I didn't know what to feel about him up until the end.
For countless times, the bizarreness of the story had my brain in a daze, trying to unlock every twist and turn that it had. When you thought that a character was on your side, it turns out that he was not. But so were the characters who were already on your side too. Then you find out that the former character was just doing things for your best so he was actually your ally but he's not really. So on and so forth. It's almost drove me crazy at first, but I continued reading it and it was totally worth it.
While a lot of people might be disappointed in the end, I wasn't. Not that it was a cliffhanger but there were still many questions that were left unanswered. Which ones were real and which ones were woven from her mind?
If you think this a love story, think twice or thrice. It may seem one at first but everything isn't what they seem to be in this book.
Blood and Bone is for people who are into mind games and not for those who couldn't handle eccentricity and craziness. It could confuse you when you're not really confused at all. See? I'm not making any sense at all. Like this book. Usually, I'm not fond of that theme but this book has made it quite appealing for me. Oh, and if you plan to read this? Better finish it it in one sitting.
April 28, 2015
5 Mind Completely Fried Stars
This book totally messed with my head and left my brain frazzled, it is a total house of mirrors in words, it is Mr & Mrs Smith meets Alice in Wonderland on crack. The twists and turns, the who, what and why’s come at you on every page from the get go. It is a total conundrum of a read that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing right up to the last chapter and even then you are left asking what the hell just happened here.
Plain Jane is a simple shop worker living a plain life full of routine and expectations all seamlessly managed by her perfect partner Dr Derek who she lives with along with their cat Binx. We learn Jane has no memory past the last three years which it seems is why Derek keeps her in a routine. A reasonable reason right, or is it?
A chance meeting with a man that thinks he knows Jane by the name of Samantha Barnes is all it takes to set her life off into a tailspin and pretty soon Jane’s life is anything but plain and routine. She begins to ask questions of Derek and who Samantha Barnes is, a simple Google search triggers memories that she can’t decipher and Derek’s answers just throw her into a bigger spin. Before you know we are all heading down that rabbit hole as you are pulled along in this story thinking right I have it now to realise that was another mirror ahead and you have to turn back again to try and work it out.
You have to keep sharp reading this story to fully understand the outcome because no one is who they seem to be or are they? I honestly don’t know how the author kept track while writing this story at it is an absolute maze. I have never been as thankful for an epilogue in my life as it was only after reading it that the pieces of this puzzle fell into place.
Tara Brown I thought is a new author to me until I met her recently and realised she has as a complicated persona as Jane and I had read her YA books under a different name but I have to say I love the writing under Tara Brown and I look forward to having my mind blown again in the next book as I’m sure it will be as twisted.
This book totally messed with my head and left my brain frazzled, it is a total house of mirrors in words, it is Mr & Mrs Smith meets Alice in Wonderland on crack. The twists and turns, the who, what and why’s come at you on every page from the get go. It is a total conundrum of a read that keeps you on the edge of your seat and guessing right up to the last chapter and even then you are left asking what the hell just happened here.
Plain Jane is a simple shop worker living a plain life full of routine and expectations all seamlessly managed by her perfect partner Dr Derek who she lives with along with their cat Binx. We learn Jane has no memory past the last three years which it seems is why Derek keeps her in a routine. A reasonable reason right, or is it?
A chance meeting with a man that thinks he knows Jane by the name of Samantha Barnes is all it takes to set her life off into a tailspin and pretty soon Jane’s life is anything but plain and routine. She begins to ask questions of Derek and who Samantha Barnes is, a simple Google search triggers memories that she can’t decipher and Derek’s answers just throw her into a bigger spin. Before you know we are all heading down that rabbit hole as you are pulled along in this story thinking right I have it now to realise that was another mirror ahead and you have to turn back again to try and work it out.
You have to keep sharp reading this story to fully understand the outcome because no one is who they seem to be or are they? I honestly don’t know how the author kept track while writing this story at it is an absolute maze. I have never been as thankful for an epilogue in my life as it was only after reading it that the pieces of this puzzle fell into place.
Tara Brown I thought is a new author to me until I met her recently and realised she has as a complicated persona as Jane and I had read her YA books under a different name but I have to say I love the writing under Tara Brown and I look forward to having my mind blown again in the next book as I’m sure it will be as twisted.
November 20, 2017
Crazy... C-R-A-Z-Y. I Thoroughly enjoyed the first half of this book... but at some point past the half way mark I wasn't sure what the hell was going on. I felt like maybe I was back in my early 20's and just drank some shroon tea.
by the end of the book I was more
than I was shocked. I was just left with wtf that was crazy weird. I have to give kudos to the author for creativity and her writing style. And I'll definitely check out her other stories..... but I won't be going back to this one. It just made my head hurt.
by the end of the book I was more
than I was shocked. I was just left with wtf that was crazy weird. I have to give kudos to the author for creativity and her writing style. And I'll definitely check out her other stories..... but I won't be going back to this one. It just made my head hurt.
January 11, 2019
"You fell in love with a monster. I never hid what I was or what I did. You knew it all—the only person in the world who had seen the place inside me where there should have been a soul."
Well..... that was fun! This book will have your head spinning but it's like nothing I have ever read before!! I enjoyed it!
Well..... that was fun! This book will have your head spinning but it's like nothing I have ever read before!! I enjoyed it!
April 15, 2015
I love books which carry the concept of mystery and deception, and ‘Blood and Bone’ just screamed this at me – with a variety of reviews both good and bad, I wasn’t sure what to expect when reading this. To put it bluntly, it was better than I had anticipated, but not as good as it could have been.
The premise of the book was set up expertly; we meet our protagonist plain Jane and her seemingly ordinary (and quite frankly, boring) life with her boyfriend Derek and her cat Binx. It is then we discover that she had been wholly dependent on Derek since a car crash 3 years ago in which she lost all her memories – and the suspicions begin to creep in as we fear something more sinister is afoot. Soon it is revealed that her safe life is an illusion for a much darker past, and the love of her life may not be the saint she has come to worship and depend on. In fact, Jane may not be Jane at all, and her true identity is just hidden away, struggling to get out…
The author builds tension skilfully, and the first few chapters, whilst tame compared to the rest of the book, are still full to the brim of painful anticipation. I genuinely had no clue as to what path the story would take, and I revelled in the mystery. And yet as I continued to read, those promises of deceit and conspiracies began to sink into a murky and unclear storyline and I was disappointed after such a brilliant start to the book.
The middle of the book is where I began to find the most fault, where I personally felt it crossed the fine line between intriguing and just plain annoying. The plot zigzagged wildly and the constant changing of the protagonists mind left me bewildered. Instead of being captivated, I was utterly confused and as a result, frustrated. I wanted to understand it, truly I did, but it was like a secret I wasn’t privy to, a language I couldn’t understand. I also feel like it was avoidable, the author could have easily removed some of the plot twists without destroying the element of mystery.
There isn’t much more detail I can give without spoiling the story, or at least the chaotic version I was able to comprehend. I did enjoy some profound moments thrown into the mix, including the ‘Blood and Bone’ song which gives the book its name – it was both haunting and memorable. And a word of warning if you undertake this read, be prepared for a startling amount of sex scenes which do complement the story but can be somewhat overpowering. And yet despite this, the romance was still one of my favourite things about the book – I feel like it was convincing and heartfelt, regardless of the circumstances encircling it. But, just like the rest of the story, it is not consistent and you are never on safe ground.
Surprisingly enough, I adored the end of the book; I thought it was unique and clever and I certainly didn’t see it coming – this may have only gotten two stars without it. Whilst it may have not redeemed the rest of the book entirely, I am still glad that I stuck it out, if only for peace of mind. 3.5 stars from me.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
The premise of the book was set up expertly; we meet our protagonist plain Jane and her seemingly ordinary (and quite frankly, boring) life with her boyfriend Derek and her cat Binx. It is then we discover that she had been wholly dependent on Derek since a car crash 3 years ago in which she lost all her memories – and the suspicions begin to creep in as we fear something more sinister is afoot. Soon it is revealed that her safe life is an illusion for a much darker past, and the love of her life may not be the saint she has come to worship and depend on. In fact, Jane may not be Jane at all, and her true identity is just hidden away, struggling to get out…
The author builds tension skilfully, and the first few chapters, whilst tame compared to the rest of the book, are still full to the brim of painful anticipation. I genuinely had no clue as to what path the story would take, and I revelled in the mystery. And yet as I continued to read, those promises of deceit and conspiracies began to sink into a murky and unclear storyline and I was disappointed after such a brilliant start to the book.
The middle of the book is where I began to find the most fault, where I personally felt it crossed the fine line between intriguing and just plain annoying. The plot zigzagged wildly and the constant changing of the protagonists mind left me bewildered. Instead of being captivated, I was utterly confused and as a result, frustrated. I wanted to understand it, truly I did, but it was like a secret I wasn’t privy to, a language I couldn’t understand. I also feel like it was avoidable, the author could have easily removed some of the plot twists without destroying the element of mystery.
There isn’t much more detail I can give without spoiling the story, or at least the chaotic version I was able to comprehend. I did enjoy some profound moments thrown into the mix, including the ‘Blood and Bone’ song which gives the book its name – it was both haunting and memorable. And a word of warning if you undertake this read, be prepared for a startling amount of sex scenes which do complement the story but can be somewhat overpowering. And yet despite this, the romance was still one of my favourite things about the book – I feel like it was convincing and heartfelt, regardless of the circumstances encircling it. But, just like the rest of the story, it is not consistent and you are never on safe ground.
Surprisingly enough, I adored the end of the book; I thought it was unique and clever and I certainly didn’t see it coming – this may have only gotten two stars without it. Whilst it may have not redeemed the rest of the book entirely, I am still glad that I stuck it out, if only for peace of mind. 3.5 stars from me.
I received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 13, 2015
THIS BOOK FUCKED UP MY MIND! And Hell, I wasn't expecting it, not in a million years and a thounsands of lives!
REVIEW on my blog - http://readingadd.blogspot.com/2015/0...
REVIEW on my blog - http://readingadd.blogspot.com/2015/0...
March 1, 2016
I'm not even sure how I feel about this book after reading it...It wasn't what I was expecting and pretty much through the entire book, I was confused as hell. I think the last 2 chapters were the only thing I wasn't confused on, because they explained it all...
November 15, 2018
Wow! This book had me questioning my own sanity! It’s hard to write a review without giving away the main plot of the book so I’ll just say that’s it’s a wild ride that you need to stay on until the end.
January 22, 2016
So many damn plot twists, I don't even know what to believe anymore.
Read
January 4, 2016It started so great, but ended so disappointingly.
May 17, 2015
Ya know the disappointed feeling you get from a story when it's the equivalent to "and it was all a dream"? That is exactly the type of disappointment I felt by the time I ended this book. And truthfully about 50 pages from the end I really struggled to finish simply due to the pure ridiculous and confusing directions it was suddenly making.
* I received a copy of Blood and Bone from Goodreads First-Reads in exchange for an honest review
* I received a copy of Blood and Bone from Goodreads First-Reads in exchange for an honest review
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2016
I'm not going to say much about the plot, except that it revolves around a woman who is coming to realize that she is some sort of brainwashed amnesiac and her entire life is a lie, and the truth is apparently some blend of cloak and daggers espionage stuff and traumatic childhood secrets. If I say any more, there would be spoilage. It's the sort of story that keeps twisting around to keep the reader (and the heroine) off-balance, and I will say that, for once I did not guess the ending.
I'm rating this two stars because I did enjoy the story, but I was not a fan of the writing. For one thing, the author uses the sort of breathless, present tense narration that I just can't stand, although I admit this is a purely personal thing and other people seem to like it. Other than that, it was competent, except when it came to the sex scenes, and let me tell you, there were a lot of sex scenes. And they were so clumsily written that I actually enjoyed them for the laughs. These are not exact quotes, but some of the phrases that stick out in my mind include the guy thrusting away "with disparity." When they kissed, their faces "melted together." And my favorite--when she was so swept away with pleasure that she "drooled and bleated like a sheep." Ahh, bad bestseller sex at its finest....
Although I can see how some people would definitely enjoy this book, it was not to my taste and I won't be trying another one by this author.
I'm rating this two stars because I did enjoy the story, but I was not a fan of the writing. For one thing, the author uses the sort of breathless, present tense narration that I just can't stand, although I admit this is a purely personal thing and other people seem to like it. Other than that, it was competent, except when it came to the sex scenes, and let me tell you, there were a lot of sex scenes. And they were so clumsily written that I actually enjoyed them for the laughs. These are not exact quotes, but some of the phrases that stick out in my mind include the guy thrusting away "with disparity." When they kissed, their faces "melted together." And my favorite--when she was so swept away with pleasure that she "drooled and bleated like a sheep." Ahh, bad bestseller sex at its finest....
Although I can see how some people would definitely enjoy this book, it was not to my taste and I won't be trying another one by this author.
July 25, 2014
HO-LEE CRAP! This book is insane! In a fantastic way! This is one of those books that just when you figure it out (notice I said "when" not "when you think..."), you're wrong and it changes direction again! But not in a crazy you can't follow what the heck is going on way. Such a fantastic story! I swear Tara Brown has the most amazing mind and imagination! I couldn't possibly even try to tell what this story is about because of the crazy weird twisty story that has been woven here. But by the end of this story you are in awe of Jane and what she has been through and what she does. And I love Derek....Dash :) I love that this crazy story has an ending that leaves you satisfied and fulfilled, not empty and broken and sad, because throughout the entire book, that's the only ending that could be possible! And also does not leave you hanging but definitely leaves you wanting more, which the amazing Tara Brown has hinted there will be! If you are looking for a pretty love story that has some excitement, this isn't the book for you! If you are looking for a book that will blow your mind, this is it ;)
May 31, 2015
Hot. Damn. Okay, I remember requesting and getting approved for this book through NetGalley, but with all the crap going on in my life, and per my usual, I didn't bother to reread the synopsis. So I jumped into this, ready to rock, and it was not what I expected at all.
It was much better than I expected.
I didn't know who she should trust, what was going truly, and then to find out that I didn't even know.... you know what? I won't spoil it for you.
Mystery? Check. Romance? Check. Suspense? Double check. Thriller? Check. Mindf**k? CHECK.
Sin and Swoon, a second book is coming out this summer and I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on it. BLOOD AND BONE totally wowed me with a well-woven and well-wrought story. I flipped back a few pages on my kindle, convinced I missed something, convinced she (author) had to have given me a clue before...and nope! Fantastic!
Don't think this ends on a cliffhanger. It's tied up neatly. Wrapped tight. But definitely leaves room for another story or more and I can't wait to continue! In the meantime, I think I'll go hunt down some more Tara Brown books and start her other series. Cuz...Wow.
It was much better than I expected.
I didn't know who she should trust, what was going truly, and then to find out that I didn't even know.... you know what? I won't spoil it for you.
Mystery? Check. Romance? Check. Suspense? Double check. Thriller? Check. Mindf**k? CHECK.
Sin and Swoon, a second book is coming out this summer and I cannot wait to get my greedy little hands on it. BLOOD AND BONE totally wowed me with a well-woven and well-wrought story. I flipped back a few pages on my kindle, convinced I missed something, convinced she (author) had to have given me a clue before...and nope! Fantastic!
Don't think this ends on a cliffhanger. It's tied up neatly. Wrapped tight. But definitely leaves room for another story or more and I can't wait to continue! In the meantime, I think I'll go hunt down some more Tara Brown books and start her other series. Cuz...Wow.
November 21, 2015
WTF did I just read? I don’t mean that in a good way either. The story doesn’t make sense, well not completely anyway. The ending was so rushed and explained in such a vague, abstract way that I have no fucking clue what parts of the book actually happened to Jane and which didn’t. What was real? It wasn’t clear. If it was written this way in an attempt to make me want to read the next one, it failed spectacularly.
Another issue was the major disconnect with the characters. I never got attached to any of them. Jane was going through a horribly confusing situation, some of which should have been traumatic. It was explained that it was hard for Jane, but I didn’t feel it. And the relationship with Jane and Derek was lacking chemistry. Jane’s feelings for Derek didn’t make sense to me. Then again by the end of the book, I’m not sure who Derek really was either. What parts of his story were real? The whole thing was too confusing.
I received this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another issue was the major disconnect with the characters. I never got attached to any of them. Jane was going through a horribly confusing situation, some of which should have been traumatic. It was explained that it was hard for Jane, but I didn’t feel it. And the relationship with Jane and Derek was lacking chemistry. Jane’s feelings for Derek didn’t make sense to me. Then again by the end of the book, I’m not sure who Derek really was either. What parts of his story were real? The whole thing was too confusing.
I received this from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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