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Jezebel #1

Jezebel

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30 years of affection. 10 years of soul shattering love. 8 years of happy employment. 2 months of turmoil. 1 week of truth. A lifetime of betrayal. Would you have seen it coming? Annabelle Fortin landed herself in a bit of trouble. Mandated to community service at an assisted living facility for early onset dementia she meets Jezebel, one of the residents. This is the story that unfolds over the course of Annabelle's court ordered six month sentence. Nothing is what it seems.For fans of Karin Slaughter, Gillian Flynn and Lisa Jewell.

488 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 5, 2015

524 people are currently reading
2670 people want to read

About the author

K. Larsen

45 books1,080 followers

I am an avid reader, coffee drinker, and chocolate eater who loves writing.
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On amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00AN1BSIE

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5 stars
1,166 (49%)
4 stars
714 (30%)
3 stars
299 (12%)
2 stars
107 (4%)
1 star
61 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 531 reviews
Profile Image for KAS.
317 reviews3,116 followers
February 13, 2019
Unforgettable! Unputdownable! Unexpected!

Another appropriate adjective would be Jaw-dropping!!

Friends, this is how you write a ‘romance’, with “Say What?” suspense that will leave you reeling.

”You can’t rush perfection. I promise you this story will make your head spin. It’s worth hearing.”

True words for sure. Oh have mercy, this book!!

Yes, of course I went in blind and loved how the crux of the storyline was built upon, block by block. Block by momentous, heart thumping block.

It seems that insignificant beginnings leads to epic endings.

Nope, didn’t see that coming.

For goodness sakes, I implore you to read this fantastically unique book with heavy duty blinders on.

p.s. There is a companion novella which I can’t get to fast enough, so off I go. Thank you Robin and Amber for the recommendations.
Profile Image for Bibi.
1,287 reviews135 followers
December 6, 2019
*Spoilers*

Seriously though, this story is music to my cynical soul and, without a doubt, it’s one of the best revenge books I’ve ever read.
Profile Image for Lo Bookfrantic.
840 reviews595 followers
August 10, 2017
5***~Nothing is what it seems ~Stars

Type:Contemporary Romance/Mystery/Suspense
Series: Standalone
POV: Third Person

“Now she had an inkling she’s been in bed with the devil.” Celeste


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Annabelle Fortin, an 18 year old brat teenager, trying to revel against her parents Gavin and Monica Fortin. She wanted their attention and since she didn’t get it she used drugs, sex, and other extra activities in hope that her family would be the same; happy and full of love that they once were. Instead, she ends up getting in more trouble by drinking and driving and now she has to serve a six months probation of community service at an assisted living facility called “Glenview”. She was not trilled at the idea of having to be at a place where it smelled like old people and not only that her parents had more rules of their own; she was not allowed to have friends come over, or go out at all other than school and the assisting living. Her phone and electronics were taken away from her as well. She literally thought her life was over and felt completely lost.
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Her first day at “Glenview” sucked, she hated being in the kitchen smelling ridiculous, she couldn’t wait for those six months to be over. She was close to graduating high school and her goal was to go away to college and away from her sad family who didn’t acknowledge her presence whatsoever. She basically lived as a ghost at her house, no one would talk to each other, her mother and father stopped talking to each other ever since her brother was killed in a hit and run accident eight years ago. I felt so bad for Annabelle; I cried so much reading this book, because of her sadness and how lonely and miserable her life had become. The loss of her brother became the loss of her family; it left her and her family broken.

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On her second visit at “Glenview” she meets Jezebel. A beautiful woman suffering from dementia, she decides to stay with her for that day instead of heading to the kitchen. There was something about Jezebel that intrigued Annabelle, she liked her and she wanted to know her more. On that first day with her, she asked Jezebel to tell her story. However, Jezebel told her she didn’t have a story to tell but her friend Celeste?! oh boy her story was one she didn’t want to miss.
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”Remember kid, the devil is in the details”. Jezebel


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For six months Annabelle visited Jezebel once a week to fulfilled her probation. Soon she realized that spending time with Jezebel wasn’t so bad, in fact she looked forward to chatting with her each week. Jezebel told a story of her friend Celeste; that story she said was worth listening to. I had to agree, Annabelle was so intrigued, upset, anxious and waiting for more of this story. I was basically flying through the pages to know what will happen to the girl on Jezebel’s story. This was such a different kind of book for me, it was narrated by a third person; it told the story of Annabelle and thru Jezebel’s eyes it told the story of her young friend Celeste in Paris. She explained Celeste’s first love, her first kiss, her many years of love and then lot of mystery and angst. I was completely immerse on this story, it was like I was reading two books in one going back in time and in the present, it was amazing.
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Annabelle’shome life was hell; her mother left her and her father. She abandoned them and she just couldn’t understand why they couldn’t love her; she was still alive and needed them too. I was so broken for this girl. She would write to her brother on her diary; something Jezebel had advised her to do and since she didn’t have anything else to keep her busy or anyone else to talk to; well so she wrote.

“Brant, I hate you right now, too. I hate you for leaving me here alone to deal with this. I hate…””Her family living under the same roof but existing in two different worlds…”Annabelle


I was so upset and sad again. Her parents never even showed up to her graduation or even acknowledged it. Jezebel and Annabelle’s relationship was wonderful I loved it. Belle will use Jez advised and started to make her sad home life different; better, much happier.

“Dear, what defines a person is how well they rise after falling down.”…“Be the noise, be the light. Be the laughter. It’s contagious…A smile is the best make-up you can wear.” Jezebel


She started to learn how to be happy and grow on her own with her friends and she even met a boy she liked and started dating; her life was finally where she wanted it to be. She was heading off to college and had to see Jezebel one last time because she had to know how her friend’s story ended. I wanted to know too, I was going mad and out of my mind wondering how this was going to end. The story of Jezebel’s friend Celeste kept getting better and better on each visit, there was so much more to it. It was full of secrets, suspense, and mystery. The super happy sweet love story that Jez had pictured at the beginning wasn’t as happy as it seemed. I was so intrigued in this suspense, romantic story just as Annabelle was and the suspense was basically killing me. Annabelle goes to see Jezebel one last time and finds out the way the story ends. She was so disappointed and so was I, I just couldn’t believe it. Then the author goes and twists the final pages into an “EPIC” finale that I was totally not prepared for. I mean I was looking for the “WTF” “MIND FUCK” part of the book, as much as I tried to guess I just couldn’t and never had seen it coming. My mind was blow away; I think I am still shocked at what happened. If you want to know what the mystery of this ending is you just have to read it. I am telling you it was well worth it.
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***Side note: Be sure to have the short 88 pages novella ready to read right after you finish this book, trust me you will NEED IT, or you will go cray cray...just saying hehe lol***
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"Copy kindly provided via TRSOR tour, in exchange for an honest review."

Book Series Order:
Jezebel by K. Larsen Lying in Wait by K. Larsen
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Profile Image for Pam.
1,093 reviews1,071 followers
June 12, 2015
4.5 the devil is in the details stars
“I’ll sleep with you in my heart tonight.”



Annabelle Fortin is serving time in a assisted living facility. While she dreads the idea of her punishment, she is surprised to find Jezebel; at fifty years young, her spirited attitude calls to Annabelle and is left wanting to know her story. Jezebel indicates that her story is nothing of interest, but her friend Celeste, her story is worth it all.
One can never be bored with a mind full of memories.



So for the next six months, on each of her weekly visits, Celeste's story unfolds with no detail spared. An epic love affair that span across the years, a love that seemed too good to be true, completely sucking in the young Annabelle. Ever since Jezebel has come into her life, Annabelle seems to grow and flourish, coming to her age with the life lessons of old and new.
"Love is powerful. It can heal, it can lift-- it can also drag you down into the depths of hell and burn you until you’re no longer recognizable--so you must be careful with your heart"



Jezebel is a story that completely sucked me in, I had no clue what to expect from this story but I can definitely say I didn't see it coming. I was making my guesses along the way, but I was left wondering what was real and what was fake. when I read a book where it is too good to be true, I cautiously read and just wait for the shoe to drop...and boy did it ever.

It's as if there are two story's, the present with Annabelle and the past with Celeste, but it is never confusing. This story is written in third person and I liked it, it helped move it along and I think helped transition between the stories seamlessly. This is hard to categorize because while there was an epic love story being told, it also has the coming to age and family dynamics added to it.

Truly a refreshing read that gives us the something new we didn't know we were looking for. The reason I didn't give it a full five was because while this book did end, I did have a few questions left unanswered, nothing major just the tiny details that left me wondering. Regardless, I highly enjoyed the read, and do recommend it to others.

ARC kindly provided by the author, in exchange for an honest review.

***Quotes above are taken from the ARC version of the book and may differ upon publication.
Profile Image for Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen.
1,692 reviews634 followers
July 7, 2015
5 What the FUCK just happened stars

Wow...I'm blown away from the twist at the end...What a mind fuck - twisty titty ending that turned out to be. I think for a few days after finishing both books, I walked around reminiscing about what transpired in the story.

Now normally, I do a really good job of predicting the major plot twists in a book, but this one got me...really got me that my mouth was hanging open (and I swear I swallowed a few flies) for days.



Now, was I happy with the ending? Ummmm, no not really but I have to share that it was fucked up. Really fucked up.

Then to go on to read "Lying in Wait" ---- that just put the jimmies on the ice cream cone!

See, I think it was because I wasn't happy along with not having the "normal" storyline and being done "outside the box" that made this book original and thought provoking.

I do have to add that I would like to see another book in this series...I would love it if something happened to..... Oh shit...I can't reveal that.



Awesome, perfect read - this book has a little of every genre in it!
Profile Image for boogenhagen.
1,993 reviews882 followers
June 8, 2015
What can I say, Maleficent has always been my idol and finally, finally a betraying, using POS gets EXACTLY what he deserves.

I sorta feel bad for enjoying this so much, but seriously after reading so many so called romances where the h gets used, abused and horribly betrayed by the H only to pathetically wilt at a half glance from the H two paragraphs later and fall all over the H swearing to be his doormat forever, this book was a very, very refreshing change where the punishment more than fits the crime.

This is a fast, intense read and the only thing it really needed (as a cherry on the top, it wouldn't change the story itself) was a scene where the POS finally realized the consequences of his actions in brilliant technicolor.

I am impressed and I will definitely be reading this author again.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jenny - TotallybookedBlog.
1,908 reviews2,054 followers
July 21, 2015
description

“I promise you this story will make your head spin. It’s worth hearing.”

Well…they didn’t just spin…OUR MINDS WERE BLOWN!! SERIOUSLY…..HOLY HELL! We’re not going to say much about the story because you need to experience this word for word for yourselves – spoiler free! This is the first time EVER we have felt the urge to skip to the ending (of course we didn’t! you know our loathing of spoilers) to see the outcome because this book kept us on tenterhooks ALL THE WAY THROUGH as conspiracy theories went in to overdrive!

“Every flower grows through dirt first. Beauty comes from filth. It makes you think.”

We meet Annabelle Fortin when she is assigned to an assisted living community called Glenview where she is to spend time with one of its occupants as part of her community service following a DUI charge. Annabelle is assigned to keep Jezebel, a lovely lady with an engaging personality and a witty sense of humour company one day a week for six months which Annabelle takes on, albeit begrudgingly.

“You hate me because I make you face the ugly truths in your world, yet you love me for the very same reason.” x

Annabelle is quite the sullen teen. She is a very sensitive young girl, living in a house devoid of happiness, starving for affection from her parents who seem disconnected from each other and from her. Annabelle soon finds the time she spends with Jezebel, being regaled by her beautiful, romantic story of Jezebel’s friend, Celeste and the love she shared with Gabriel to be the highlight of her week. Through Jezebel recounting of their story, we learn how Gabriel and Celeste met and how they fell in deeply in love. The romance between them was captivating, mesmerising and we, along with Annabelle were held spellbound by every word Jezebel spoke of this loving couple.

Love is powerful. It can heal, it can lift – it can also drag you down into the depths of hell and burn you until you’re no longer recognizable – so you must be careful with your heart.”

We were completely entranced, loving every romantic moment, though never feeling at ease because beneath it all was this overwhelming feeling that the rug was about to be pulled right out from underneath us, we turned every page with trepidation and watched every moment unfold with baited breath. We knew were being lulled in to a false sense of security and could sense a huge thwacking curve ball heading our way any minute and we LOVED that!

“Oh but my dear, every great love story has a twist. If there’s no twist, how does one ever know if their love can endure?”

And… that’s all we’re going to say because to divulge anymore would decrease the impact of this story and you NEED to feel its full impact just as we did. So settle in and like us, we’re sure you will be hanging out to hear more of Jezebel’s storytelling when the words ….Paris 1989…..Paris 1990….and so on will make your heart pump and have you craving more! This is a physiological thriller that most certainly THRILLED US! Now we need a glass of wine and a few more discussions on this one!

“Truths are often ugly.”

**Reviewed from an Advanced Copy provided by the author, with thanks**

description


✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
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Profile Image for Michelle.
944 reviews219 followers
Read
November 16, 2015
I started this one because of all the five stars reviews. But damn! This book right here had me skimming at 10%! So I kept going...at 30% I am still skimming and still bored! It's a wrap! Add another DNF to my pile. I don't care if there is a twist at the end there is no way in hell I can read this shit any longer.
I'm glad others enjoyed it but I didn't. Very slow read! I'm off to find me something that's not going to make me snooze:))
Profile Image for CC.
1,257 reviews724 followers
February 21, 2016
description

Annabelle Fortin is a high school senior about to graduate in six months. Due to a moment of poor judgment, she is arrested for drunk driving and is sentenced to community service at a local assisted care/living facility. During her time at the facility, Annabelle befriends a woman named Jezebel and during their weekly visits, Jezebel tells Annabelle a story of Celeste and Gabriel Fontaine. As Annabelle and Jezebel become closer, their lives significantly change.

With Jezebel’s weekly narration of the story of Celeste and Gabriel, we are told how they first met and are given an account of their high and low points. While their tale begins thirty years ago, the details of their relationship are relevant and filled with timeless emotions.

“Oh but my dear, every great love story has a twist. If there’s no twist, how does one ever know if their love can endure?” “Endure what?” she questioned... “Anything.”

This book is hard to review without giving away any key points or spoiling the plot. For me, this book was an unexpected surprise because I wasn’t sure if it was a mystery or romance or some sort of combination, but now I would classify it as a romantic suspense with darkish elements. The plot is complexly layered with the narratives of Celeste and Gabriel woven into the current lives of Jezebel and Annabelle. Additionally, all the characters (a special shout-out to Matteo) are varied and their progression parallels the plot development at a constant pace until it all spirals past the point of no return. I highly recommend to those looking for a mystery about love, friendship and betrayal.


Books in this series:
Jezebel (Jezebel, #1) by K. Larsen Lying in Wait (Jezebel, #0.5) by K. Larsen
Profile Image for Gitte TotallyBookedBlog.
2,094 reviews940 followers
June 8, 2015
description

“I promise you this story will make your head spin. It’s worth hearing.”

Well…they didn’t just spin…OUR MINDS WERE BLOWN!! SERIOUSLY…..HOLY HELL! We’re not going to say much about the story because you need to experience this word for word for yourselves – spoiler free! This is the first time EVER we have felt the urge to skip to the ending (of course we didn’t! you know our loathing of spoilers) to see the outcome because this book kept us on tenterhooks ALL THE WAY THROUGH as conspiracy theories went in to overdrive!

“Every flower grows through dirt first. Beauty comes from filth. It makes you think.”

We meet Annabelle Fortin when she is assigned to an assisted living community called Glenview where she is to spend time with one of its occupants as part of her community service following a DUI charge. Annabelle is assigned to keep Jezebel, a lovely lady with an engaging personality and a witty sense of humour company one day a week for six months which Annabelle takes on, albeit begrudgingly.

“You hate me because I make you face the ugly truths in your world, yet you love me for the very same reason.” x

Annabelle is quite the sullen teen. She is a very sensitive young girl, living in a house devoid of happiness, starving for affection from her parents who seem disconnected from each other and from her. Annabelle soon finds the time she spends with Jezebel, being regaled by her beautiful, romantic story of Jezebel’s friend, Celeste and the love she shared with Gabriel to be the highlight of her week. Through Jezebel recounting of their story, we learn how Gabriel and Celeste met and how they fell in deeply in love. The romance between them was captivating, mesmerising and we, along with Annabelle were held spellbound by every word Jezebel spoke of this loving couple.

Love is powerful. It can heal, it can lift – it can also drag you down into the depths of hell and burn you until you’re no longer recognizable – so you must be careful with your heart.”

We were completely entranced, loving every romantic moment, though never feeling at ease because beneath it all was this overwhelming feeling that the rug was about to be pulled right out from underneath us, we turned every page with trepidation and watched every moment unfold with baited breath. We knew were being lulled in to a false sense of security and could sense a huge thwacking curve ball heading our way any minute and we LOVED that!

“Oh but my dear, every great love story has a twist. If there’s no twist, how does one ever know if their love can endure?”

And… that’s all we’re going to say because to divulge anymore would decrease the impact of this story and you NEED to feel its full impact just as we did. So settle in and like us, we’re sure you will be hanging out to hear more of Jezebel’s storytelling when the words ….Paris 1989…..Paris 1990….and so on will make your heart pump and have you craving more! This is a physiological thriller that most certainly THRILLED US! Now we need a glass of wine and a few more discussions on this one!

“Truths are often ugly.”

**Reviewed from an Advanced Copy provided by the author, with thanks**

description


✦✦✦ TB Blog :TotallybookedBlog
✦✦✦ Come say Hi : TB on Facebook
✦✦✦Follow us: TB on Twitter
✦✦✦Check out: TB on Pinterest
✦✦✦ We're on TSU: TB on TSU
Profile Image for Amber’s reading.
539 reviews117 followers
January 18, 2019
Such a deliciously dark read that's masterfully written with clues sprinkled along the way, Jezebel is an intense story about love and deception.

You think you know what's going to happen, you think you've solved the clues, you will be so wrong!!!! The ending will blow your mind.

Some words of caution - DON'T READ SPOILERS, DON'T READ THE ENDING, JUST START THE BOOK NOW!! Also, spend the extra $1 and get the boxed set because it has 2 companion stories. Basically 2 epilogues - Lying in Wait and Aftermath. Boxed set is also available on Kindle Unlimited. Trust me, you’ll want to read all three to get the full effect.

Jezebel tells the story of high school senior Annabelle who reports for court appointed community service at a memory care assisted living facility for patients with early onset dementia There she meets Jezebel, a 50-something patient and immediately starts up a friendship. Each week Annabelle meets with Jezebel and listens to the older woman tell her about an epic love story. At first it reminded me of The Princess Bride, where Fred Savage is listening to his grandfather read him a story while he's home sick. In the movie, like in the book, you get a little past and present.

"Oh but my dear, every great love story has a twist. If there's no twist, how does one ever know if their love can endure?"

The romantic in me savored every bit of the love story and the cold-hearted snake in my was actually shocked with the twist.

If you love a good mystery with a gasp worthy twist, you will love this book!!!
Profile Image for Kim Carter.
665 reviews28 followers
April 24, 2019
What in the ever loving hell just happened? I totally didn't see that ending coming and don't you know I downloaded the novella as soon as I finished? Jezebel has been on my shelf since 2015....2015 people! WTF was I thinking? Well, I don't flipping know - so there you have it. Now I will pick my jaw up off the floor, move on to the novella because - well hello, I refuse to wait another 4 years! LOL...definitely move this one up if you have not.
Profile Image for ❤️ Diana ❤️.
403 reviews3 followers
August 11, 2015
OMG!! This book!! My emotions are all over the place right now!! I love these type of books...a mystery who done it type. The author does leave lots of breadcrumbs so throughout the book you will have so many theories running through your head!!

Annabelle an 18 year old who is troubled who once had the perfect family until tragedy hit. Now her family is dysfunctional, hurting and just not happy. She gets sentenced to community service at a nursing home for those with dementia. There she meets Jezebel who she has a connection with and befriends her, Jezebel then tells her the most amazing story about Celeste and Gabriel that will "blow her mind!!!" Lol

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the back forth from Annabelle's story to Celestes story. I always love a story within a story. I also loved the banter between Jezebel and Annabelle. I will give it to the author cause she got me and I didn't see that ending coming!!

5 ***** shocking stars!!
Profile Image for Lisa Aiello.
1,186 reviews29 followers
June 8, 2017
There is not much that can be told about the story without spoiling it, so all I can do is talk of my experience with this book. I was enraptured throughout the whole book - the telling of the life of Celeste by Jezebel to Annabelle. Now, I knew there was a serious mindfuck of a twist, so I was holding on with both hands, examining every little detail, but I NEVER saw the ending coming. You think you know, but you don't truly have a clue. The storytelling was masterful and the emotions heartbreaking. How everything wove together was riveting...and then came the ending. My jaw was literally on the floor, and I was extremely agitated. Not in a bad way, but it just left me feeling raw. I spent the next hour just thinking it through, shaking my head, trying to process, going back through what I read thinking "how could I not have seen that, it was all there for me" and I know without a doubt that this story will stay in my mind forever. I won't soon forget where this book took me and how I felt. Those people reading it who gave up early because it wasn't going anywhere have no clue what they missed. Kudos and thanks to Ms. Larsen for bringing Jezebel to life.
Profile Image for Beatrix.
547 reviews94 followers
September 17, 2017
One day she was on the right track; the next she was a train wreck.

This book! Wow! It’s been a while since a book surprised me so much. I loved it.

I’m not usually one to say “don’t read the blurb, or any reviews” because I always read reviews, but in the case of Jezebel, it applies. Just read it.

And be patient. Honestly, still 30% into the novel, I wanted to DNF. It’s slow, but it’ll be worth it. And every.tiny.detail.matters. Pay attention.

After reading and loving both The Tutor and Jezebel, all I can say is – Ms. Larsen, I’m a fan!

What if the greater plan for her life was just because she hadn’t done anything wrong… yet?


description

description
Profile Image for TheCrazyWorldOfABookLover.
366 reviews937 followers
August 3, 2016
I'm torn on this one. The "secret" that was revealed at the end was pretty crazy. But I found the overall story and the lead up kind of boring and found myself skimming parts just to get to this big reveal.

A decent read but not something I was blown away with.
Profile Image for April.
327 reviews
May 9, 2017
UPDATE: see note at bottom.
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I HAVE NO WORDS!!! so i'll just say it with a pic:
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To truly appreciate this kind of story, PLEASE go in blind. Do NOT read any reviews, just go in with an open mind and let the author take you on a mind fuck of epic proportions.

I have so many things I want to say but I can't!!! It would totally ruin the reading experience of this brilliant story; so if you are tempted to read, all I can say is that I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Side note: Make sure to read the companion novella Lying in Wait by K. Larsen after Jezebel.

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Profile Image for Elaine.
505 reviews72 followers
July 26, 2015

4 Didn't See That Coming Stars


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A love story spanning 10 Years that is set in Paris in the Eighties.

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Nothing is what it seems....



I'm not going into the plot, I really recommend that you go in blind....



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Enjoy the experience and of course the climax to this story...

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It started off slowly but the more I read the more I really couldn't put it down.
But at the same time once I finished, it left me with mixed feelings.
The twist was brilliantly executed, the clues are there. Some I guessed but the ending..... I was in shock, I didn't see it coming...



The prequel Lying In Wait will hopefully give me answers
Profile Image for Peggy Dabney.
Author 3 books59 followers
August 13, 2015
I truly love the unexpected!
But this...OMG!!!!
5 effing genius stars!
1 for Brant
1 for Celeste
1 for Gabriel
1 for Matteo
1 for the beautifully disheartened Annabelle!

Time for a Margarita now before I can start "Lying in Wait"

JEZEBEL IS A MUST READ! ONE OF THIS YEARS BEST! LOVED IT!
Profile Image for ❤Casey❤.
142 reviews28 followers
July 25, 2015
5 "Shocking" Stars

7/22-It'll take me a few days to compose my thoughts on this review. It wasn't so much as a mindfuck(although after finishing, it has indeed, fucked with your mind) as it was a simply shocking ending.
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This story is quite the departure from what I normally read.....there's no descriptively written sex scenes, no BDSM, or hard core sex in this book. But, once I seen all of the reviews and 5 stars, I just knew I had to read it and I don't regret it AT ALL. Also, this book is written in 3rd person POV, which I like, but bothers some people.

This story starts with Annabelle Fortin.18 years old,recently punished for a DUI, to a six month court ordered volunteer job at Glenview, an assisted living facility for people with early onset dementia. Annabelle is lost. She lost her older brother 8 years ago and since then, her parents treat her as if she's dead too.

At Glenview, Annabelle meets Jezebel, a beautiful middle aged woman suffering from dementia. Annabelle and Jezebel strike up a friendship and Annabelle decides on her weekly visits that she'll sit and talk with Jezebel instead of working in the kitchen.

Jezebel starts telling Annabelle a love story. Set in Paris during the 1980's-1990's.

Oh but my dear, every great love story has a twist. If there's no twist, how does one ever know if their love can endure?"

"Make sure you listen carefully, and try not to jump to conclusions until I'm finished telling you everything. What happens from here on out isn't my responsibility. It's yours, so take notice."

"Alright then. Remember kid, the devil is in the details."


Over the course of 6 months, Annabelle is taken on a journey through the love story of Celeste and Gabriel Fontaine. At the beginning, there is love, which turns into heartbreak, which then turns into deception and ends with blood. During the telling of the story, Jezebel becomes an advisor of sorts to Annabelle, guiding Annabelle through her turmoil at home. Knowing Jezebel makes Annabelle happy and she feels as if she's finally connecting with her parents again.

NOW This is where I must end my review because saying anymore would reveal the ending and I simply can't do that. Just know this: The ending was shocking, it was mindblowing, but most of all, it was amazing! This is one of those books I don't know whether I love or hate OR maybe I love to hate it. All I know is that IT IS A MUST READ!

And be sure, when you're through with this one, to go on and buy the novella: Lying in Wait by K. Larsen , which will answer the 100's of questions you will have.
Profile Image for Grace.
2,312 reviews114 followers
June 2, 2015
Mind-numbing wickedness! This book will leave you reeling for hours, or days. A MUST READ for those who enjoy a good mind-fucking!

This is book tells a story within a story. Is there a purpose to it all? Yes, and that's all I can say. As Annabelle spends her court ordered time at Glenview (an assisted living home), she befriends Jezebel, who believes in tough love. With each week, the two grow closer together, with Jezebel sharing the story of Celeste and Gabriel. Is it a love story? Yes and no. You'll just have to wait like Annabelle to read it unfold. Just like her, I was anxious for her visits with Jezebel to get more of the story, because I knew something big was going to go down. Was I prepared for that moment? No, and the events following left me speechless.

What can I tell you without giving anything away?
***Pay attention to the details.
***The book, just like Celeste and Gabriel's story, has a slow build. As Jezebel promises Annabelle, your mind will be blown, so have patience.

Half way in, I kept asking, what is the big deal. I didn't see any opportunity for mind-fuckery. And that's what make the story so great. The author takes a simple thing, a growing friendship, and turns it on its fucking head.

The ending on its own is huge. I suspected some things along the way, but there is no way I could have predicted the ending. Now looking back, so many details come back to me and make more sense, and only intensify the creep factor.

*Jezebel bringing Annabelle closer to her dad.
*The Dr. Seuss book and the reason behind it.
*Jezebel encouraging Annabelle to fall in love.
*Annabelle's brother.

My immediate impressions of the story were blown away, and I'm left shaking my head at the cleverness of it all. This had one of the most shocking endings I have EVER read! I absolutely did not see it coming, and felt a bit dazed afterwards.

I think I spent the first half hour after finishing, just shaking my head and saying "I can't believe the author did that." Over and over. Is there a HEA? That is the million dollar question, and I have no idea how to answer it. I guess, depending how you feel about each character and the idea of justice, you may think one way or another. And that's all I'm saying.

JUST READ THE BOOK!

*An ARC was received for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jan.
1,254 reviews990 followers
May 21, 2018
There is no way to wright my thoughts without giving much.
Just want to say that this story left me speechless. Twice.
I was really into the plot until something came up in a wrong way for me.
I hate when they throw a twist in a story from nowhere with no ties to make it make sense.

The twist was unrealistic. The probability of something like that happen is -1 I think.
I've been thinking and thinking how to hate this book for a day now *sigh*
I really could not stop reading it. I wanted to know what was coming up next as she was telling the story.
I think I will settle for 4 because it was a page turner and I couldn't stop reading it.
Profile Image for Donna B.
197 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2018
OMG!!! WHAT?!!!!!! Completely captivating with an unexpected, wicked twist.
Speechless. Stop what you’re doing and get this book! *faints*
Profile Image for Shabby  -BookBistroBlog.
1,938 reviews987 followers
July 19, 2017
Jezebel <----Irony at Its FINEST
WTH !! WTH !! WTH !!
I'm so astounded. K. Larsen , what a story. Do you work for the CIA?
You could go covert and double agent anytime !
What a powerful story, my mind is still reeling .
The story starts very innocently about a spoiled brat - Annabelle who's being grounded because she was arrested with DUI. She has to abstain from social life, no computer, no phone, no Facebook in for 6 months . And do community service. As she goes to Glenview, an Assisted Living facility, she meets Jezebel ( pay attention !). The older, Sassy lady perks Belle's interest and they start communicating. Jezebel tells her a story of Celeste and Gabriel who met in 90s in Paris, fell in love and married. A perfect ending to a perfect love story
WRONG !!!!!
It's a true story all right but of Intrigue, Betrayal, Cheating , falsehood . I don't want to give anything away .But the Clues are Right There! !!.....LOOK !
the best part is Jezebel heals Anna's heart, pushing her to reconnect with her broken family after they suffer a great tragedy !. Talk about twisting the "knife" *snort*
It's amazing, engrossing unputdownable WTF did I just read kind of a story.
You've gained an instant fan K.
5 Stabworthy Stars
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Profile Image for Yahaira.
557 reviews55 followers
April 19, 2015
I can't wait for readers to get their hands on this masterpiece. Total Mind-Fuck!!!
Profile Image for Sarah Griffin.
371 reviews308 followers
June 5, 2015
I’m so MAD! There, I’ve said it. I’ve accepted it. You all know. We can move on. This author, this author I tell you. If you haven’t read her work before, you are truly doing yourself a disservice. There are certain authors out there who are so spectacularly well versed that you just want to shout their name for the world to hear, but at the same time keep them in your pocket so only you can have them. That’s how I feel about K Larsen each time I crack the pages open on her latest work. You go into her stories not having much background, but knowing you will end your journey completely screwed in the head in the most wonderful kind of way. She weaves tales so completely unique that each and every time you feel like kicking the person next to you because they haven’t experienced the same head trip you just have. And yes, I realize all this may sound like a bad thing, but it SO isn’t. Because this should always be the goal of authors, to evoke these kinds of feelings from readers. For them to emit something we are so passionate about that we can’t help but spew a myriad of emotions that not everyone is comfortable feeling. It’s those questions that will keep your blood spurning long after the last page has been turned. You won’t simply be able to just casually move on to your next story. These ones will stick with you.

Forewarned: you will not be receiving a traditional HEA, at least not in the way you think. I guess it just all depends on how you look at it. And that right there will be all the spoilers you will receive from me, and even that is vague. But it’s intentional. I will say that for the most part, I had all the secrets figured out by the end, but even then, I did NOT see that ending coming. And that is what has me fuming. Livid to the point of wanting to punch something. But oh so alive. I mean, you go the whole book thinking the story is one thing, and the closer you get to the end, the darkness really starts to seep in. But when you really concentrate on all the details, the darkness was there all along, wasn’t it? Larsen delivers multi-dimensional characters that even long after the story is done, you feel as if you’ve only scratched the surface. Even when the book is done you want more. Not because your questions weren’t answered, but because you can’t believe it’s over. You can’t possibly imagine a world where these people don’t exist. What kept running through my mind as I read this was that it was very much a cross between The Princess Bride, Fried Green Tomatoes and Misery. I won’t tell you why though. Just know that she will make you fall in love with the villains and come to loathe the heroes. But in the end, aren’t we all a little of both? There are so many shades of grey in this book, she gives Christian a run for his money! I can promise you this; you’ll finish this story and it will leave your head spinning. And if you are anything like me you will want to immediately message the author and tell her how much you hate her. And that you love her. But like Jezebel says, hate and love go together. And in that, Larsen nails the emotions with perfection.

Take my advice: make Jezebel your next read. You won’t regret it!
Profile Image for Paige  Bookdragon.
938 reviews645 followers
July 23, 2015
“I promise you this story will make your head spin. It’s worth hearing.”

Fuck, I'm conflicted. I love this one but I'm having problems accepting this whole thing. It's not perfect, mind you, but this will totally play with your mind and emotions. I keep on holding my breath as to what will happen because I totally have no idea where the story will lead me.

“Oh but my dear, every great love story has a twist. If there’s no twist, how does one ever know if their love can endure?”

Annabelle was serving time in a assisted living facility when she met Jezebel. Jezebel is intriguing and her story about her friend Celeste would forever fuck your mind and leave you wondering why do you always torture yourself reading this kind of book.

I'll leave the negativity out of this review first because I don't want to discourage you reading this book. But, be warned:

“Truths are often ugly.”

Now, let me sit in the corner and eat some doritos to soothe my aching soul.

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