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Payback
A split-second decision sends a woman’s life spiraling out of control. Wife and mother Marta Crawford is away on business when she stops at the hotel bar after a particularly difficult day. There she meets the charming Todd Wilson, and, much to her dismay, wakes up the next morning in his bed. Filled with remorse and regret, she tells Todd she’s made a terrible mistake and flees, hoping to put her reckless behavior behind her. But Todd isn’t willing to let go. To her dismay, he worms his way into all corners of her life, befriending her husband and her business partner, and seducing her teenage daughter, Jamie. Payback is a frightening and emotionally gripping tale of strength and determination, and love.
311 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
3 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 7, 2017
Family Drama
This is a truly remarkable tale, one of a family's love overcoming all odds. It follows Marta and her family. Marta is a woman who always plays by the rules, much to her sister's chagrin, but even she can be tempted to let loose. It happened once, only once. She enjoyed herself but vowed 'never again'. But it seems, no matter all her efforts, this mistake will not leave her alone. Not just in her conscience, but her family life, her career. This is a woeful story of cause and consequence, chain reaction, you too will be tempted to play the blame game. But at its core, this is a story of the strength of love. It's not just a gushy tale, but quite true to life. Marta's family is ordinary but her one mistake leads to them becoming a news story.
Everybody makes mistakes. No one is perfect yet even a single regrettable incident can remain difficult to live with. A catastrophic choice like Marta's, for instance. The themes explored in this novel were compelling to a fault- I can't stop thinking about them! Can one forgive themselves for one moment of foolishness? What if said foolishness places one's loved ones in the face of danger? Is it right to blame the victim for their misjudgement (as unfortunately happens in real life only too often)?
This really could be a true story, it was stunningly realistic. Jonnie Jacobs writes with subtle finesse of relationships and how they play out. An author who captures readers' attention for her striking details. It becomes immediately clear that this is a writer who is also a conscientious observer of the human nature and all its flaws.
The narration by Cindy Piller was also unquestionably suitable: emotive in all the right places, but not overly so, and not at all difficult to follow along with. She did a fantastic job with this, connecting listeners to characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This is a truly remarkable tale, one of a family's love overcoming all odds. It follows Marta and her family. Marta is a woman who always plays by the rules, much to her sister's chagrin, but even she can be tempted to let loose. It happened once, only once. She enjoyed herself but vowed 'never again'. But it seems, no matter all her efforts, this mistake will not leave her alone. Not just in her conscience, but her family life, her career. This is a woeful story of cause and consequence, chain reaction, you too will be tempted to play the blame game. But at its core, this is a story of the strength of love. It's not just a gushy tale, but quite true to life. Marta's family is ordinary but her one mistake leads to them becoming a news story.
Everybody makes mistakes. No one is perfect yet even a single regrettable incident can remain difficult to live with. A catastrophic choice like Marta's, for instance. The themes explored in this novel were compelling to a fault- I can't stop thinking about them! Can one forgive themselves for one moment of foolishness? What if said foolishness places one's loved ones in the face of danger? Is it right to blame the victim for their misjudgement (as unfortunately happens in real life only too often)?
This really could be a true story, it was stunningly realistic. Jonnie Jacobs writes with subtle finesse of relationships and how they play out. An author who captures readers' attention for her striking details. It becomes immediately clear that this is a writer who is also a conscientious observer of the human nature and all its flaws.
The narration by Cindy Piller was also unquestionably suitable: emotive in all the right places, but not overly so, and not at all difficult to follow along with. She did a fantastic job with this, connecting listeners to characters.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
May 5, 2017
This was a really enjoyable listen. Although initially I found Marta a little bit pious, I found myself warming to her as the story played on. In fact, I ultimately thought that she was excellently drawn as a product of her environment. The dependable big sister who had to be in charge. All the other characters were believable and well thought out. The story moved along at a brisk pace and I was desperate to find out what happened as the villain was so evil I felt he was capable of anything. The ending was highly satisfactory and I am so honoured to have received this book for free that it is a privilege to leave a 5 star review and to highly recommend Payback to everyone as a thoroughly enjoyable read/listen!
May 6, 2017
Wow..
I don't say this to often but, wow.
This book centers around the main female lead, Marta.
She was having a "bad day" and it only gets worse when she decides to a bar.
And ,the morale to the story is be careful of the people that you encounter, especially in a bar.
Does that mean everyone in a bar is creepy? No, but people should be extra careful where alcohol or open drinks are concerned.
Overall this book was well written suspenseful and left chills down my back.
Cindy Piller did well with the narration.
Note:
"This audio book was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review."
June 20, 2017
Not my favorite of the Jonnie Jacobs books. I get so frustrated when characters' lousy communication skills leads the story inevitably to the cliff.
And as someone who is obsessed with a clean kitchen, I feel I can complain about the silly details of which cups Marta puts in the dishwashers and which she does not. I kept expecting that cup or glass to play some huge role in the ending. But no. It was nothing more than a vehicle to indicate that Marta was so stressed out, she forgot. Really?
The ending landed a little flat with a predictable stand off, but I still am giving it three stars for the interesting characters.
And as someone who is obsessed with a clean kitchen, I feel I can complain about the silly details of which cups Marta puts in the dishwashers and which she does not. I kept expecting that cup or glass to play some huge role in the ending. But no. It was nothing more than a vehicle to indicate that Marta was so stressed out, she forgot. Really?
The ending landed a little flat with a predictable stand off, but I still am giving it three stars for the interesting characters.
May 23, 2017
Another great read by Jonnie Jacobs. This book was narrated by Cindy Piller who has a lovely voice. I was lucky to be gifted this audio book from the author. I have left an honest review.
March 15, 2019
Good start,but then it slowed. Dialogue repetitious; characters shallow and clueless. Finished it only because I wanted to know the ending.
July 16, 2023
This book took off and running from the get go. Quick read in a week. Good twists and turns.
April 14, 2016
a married lady on a business trip meets a guy at the bar on her b day. she has a one night stand, feels really bad about it. she has a husband and daughter at home and doesnt want to ruin it
the guy becomes obsessed with her, comes to her house, makes friends with her husband, daughter and business partner. she cant get him to leave her alone
turns out her sister set it up, thinking she wouldnt fall for him, but she did. he cohercered her daughter into running away with him. her and the sister set off to SF to find them, they were in a small cabin up past shasta. he held all 3 of them against their will, going to set the cabin on fire when her husband showed up and saved them.
they all forgave each other and got along better when they went back home
the guy becomes obsessed with her, comes to her house, makes friends with her husband, daughter and business partner. she cant get him to leave her alone
turns out her sister set it up, thinking she wouldnt fall for him, but she did. he cohercered her daughter into running away with him. her and the sister set off to SF to find them, they were in a small cabin up past shasta. he held all 3 of them against their will, going to set the cabin on fire when her husband showed up and saved them.
they all forgave each other and got along better when they went back home
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2016
Had a great start. Towards the middle was tired of the storyline. last couple of chapters I literally just skim to get to the end. I've definitely read better by her.
April 27, 2017
Payback
: Jonnie Jacobs
A woman out of town, alone, and feeling neglected by her family has a one night fling that sends her life spinning out of control. The start was a little slow, but once it got going I couldn't stop listening.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Cindy Piller did a good job bringing the characters to life.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
: Jonnie Jacobs
A woman out of town, alone, and feeling neglected by her family has a one night fling that sends her life spinning out of control. The start was a little slow, but once it got going I couldn't stop listening.
The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Cindy Piller did a good job bringing the characters to life.
"I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews