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The Cure Hotel
There's no doubt about it, the Cure Hotel situated on the outskirts of Manhattan is one of the most run down establishments in the whole of America. This is a hotel that not only boasts dampness, poor decoration and lighting, but also welcomes the most sinister type of overnight guest. Shady loners, men with prostitutes, bosses and their assistants - It all takes place under this roof, where although fornicating in this manner is frowned upon in the hotel industry, a blind eye is always turned at the Cure.
This is receptionist Christina's story, just seven days before the grand re-opening of the newly refurbished building – In the single week it took an innocent act of voyeurism to turn the place into the murderous hell hole it was always destined to become.
A gripping thriller, with a horrifying twist, where the dark sexual past of this tarnished building, can't be fixed by the new owner, who simply hasn't got the Cure in his blood.
This is receptionist Christina's story, just seven days before the grand re-opening of the newly refurbished building – In the single week it took an innocent act of voyeurism to turn the place into the murderous hell hole it was always destined to become.
A gripping thriller, with a horrifying twist, where the dark sexual past of this tarnished building, can't be fixed by the new owner, who simply hasn't got the Cure in his blood.
258 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2016
30 people are currently reading
2524 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 21, 2016
Well...this was unexpected. I thought it was a simple sex book, a story about a horny receptionist who liked to entertain male guests who stayed at the hotel. At the beginning, thats exactly what it was, however, halfway through that all changed.
All in all I think the story had great potential and it was quite exciting with its twist and turns; the characters were interesting and I found myself reading most of the book in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. However, as it got to the end it became really jumbled like everything was being thrown together rather than neatly tied up. I get the protagonist was an absolute psycho and the disjointed writing reflected her train of thought, however, not every character needed to be accounted for, for example, I think Mr Hodge could have been left festering in room 4.
It was a strange one for me because, ordinarily, straight, simple and crude language usually doesn't appeal to me but this was gripping, it kept me hanging on and wanting to know what the hell was going to happen next. I wonder what is coming next from this author!
All in all I think the story had great potential and it was quite exciting with its twist and turns; the characters were interesting and I found myself reading most of the book in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. However, as it got to the end it became really jumbled like everything was being thrown together rather than neatly tied up. I get the protagonist was an absolute psycho and the disjointed writing reflected her train of thought, however, not every character needed to be accounted for, for example, I think Mr Hodge could have been left festering in room 4.
It was a strange one for me because, ordinarily, straight, simple and crude language usually doesn't appeal to me but this was gripping, it kept me hanging on and wanting to know what the hell was going to happen next. I wonder what is coming next from this author!
February 10, 2017
This book was so good! I love books written in first person and I loved the twist in the middle where it switched to a different person's point of view. I was definitely not expecting what happened but I couldn't stop reading! The only reason it took as long as it did was because of school and other things I had to do at home. But I will definitely be reading more books written by Ashley Clancy!
December 18, 2016
Great Psycho-thriller.
As story comprises couple of thrills, I like the writer moves the story.
Jenna,the leading character have shown like a normal person like us.
Certainly, Thriller lover's should read it.
Heartily Thanks to Ashley Clancy,the writer.
As story comprises couple of thrills, I like the writer moves the story.
Jenna,the leading character have shown like a normal person like us.
Certainly, Thriller lover's should read it.
Heartily Thanks to Ashley Clancy,the writer.
January 9, 2017
I was given this book for free for an honest review. I'm afraid I have nominal aphasia so I'm not the greatest at writing and grammar but I can honestly say that I really did enjoy this book, a welcome change from the normal crime thrillers I normally read. This book was original in its story line for me and would be hard to categorise thriller horror with some voyeurism. It also was an easy read good for me with aphasia as some books with complicated story lines i have to read over or have to concentrate more with. Took me only a couple of sittings so it must of been good I will definitely be watching out for more of your books Ashley and looking forward to reading the next one. Good job and thank you
March 17, 2017
For me it took me a while to get into for some reason I didn't really jell with Christina to begin with but the more I read the more it captivated me to continue reading.
The story telling was great from first person view definitely would read more books from Ashley.
The story telling was great from first person view definitely would read more books from Ashley.
January 5, 2017
‘With a small spy hole in every room, which viewing will leave the biggest hole in someone’s life?'
The Cure Hotel is not a book I would immediately gravitate towards, however the blurb and tagline intrigued me so I thought I’d give it a go. Seeing the private going-ons of the inside of a hotel room just seems too appealing – everyone is nosey and I must admit, I don’t know about you, but I’d sure like to know what others get up to in their hotel rooms!
We follow Christina, a young woman working the night shift at The Cure Hotel. The hotel is grotty and desperately in need of renovating, so when the eager but slightly niave Mr Harper buys the hotel, things look on the up for Christina. With the added news that next week she is to be promoted to night manageress, and her boring colleague Jenna to day manageress, things couldn’t get better!
However, as Christina’s promotion nears, Jenna’s behaviour starts becoming very strange, and Christina gets caught up in a sticky situation, and it is then that the book gets really interesting! With the discovery of some little ‘spy holes’ in each room comes many questions – who is watching the guests? Why? Who can be trusted at The Cure Hotel?
***
I immediately found this book very easy to read – the book is written in an almost diary like structure – the date and time helps us follow the story along, and the accurate and chaotic recording of thoughts very realistic. Albeit I imagine for more advanced/traditional readers this style of writing can be seen as ‘messy’, for me, the jumping thoughts and interrupted sentences really help you get inside the head of the character.
I immediately found Christina to be a very likeable character – even though her and Jenna’s actions are pretty unrealistic (this is a work of fiction, remember!), she has a care-free, confident nature which is almost inspirational in some aspects. Jenna, on the other hand, I just couldn’t grasp at first and it took me a long time to warm up to her - I wish she had a tad more character development in the first half of the book. One little nagging point in my mind on our two protagonists is that they are aged only nineteen – perfect for their naivety but unrealistic for the plot and their actions. In my opinion, I would have preferred them to be in their mid-twenties.
The story itself is captivating, high paced and enjoyable, with a unique plot line. There are some really exciting twists and turns throughout the novel, and I did love the shock ending to the story. I do wish things were tied up a little more, as I tend to massively overthink books, so if my questions are left unanswered it bugs me (although – this is probably a personality trait I really should sort out!). If there was a sequel, maybe some of my questions would be answered?
For a first novel from a new author, I’m extremely impressed. The author handles crude language and difficult subjects well, and seems to have found the perfect mix between a few different genres. It is such an easy read with a gripping storyline that you could easily go from start to finish in one sitting, and it is predominantly the high enjoyment factor that gives this book a 4/5 stars from me. I would highly recommend to lovers of thriller and murder mysteries who are looking for an easy page turner as opposed to a heavy and complicated novel.
I would love to read a sequel and will definitely be reading any future books by this new author. Great work, Ashley!
*This book was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review*
November 6, 2016
I was planning to read this book within two days, but finished in just one sitting. It took three or four chapters to warm up, but when it did, it certainly did. At my planned stopping point on chapter seven, the story twisted on it's head. This was something I really didn't see coming. After chapter seven it's literally one cliffhanger after another, holding your breath and then at the end of every chapter, wanting to know what happens next.
This book is a little hard to write a review for, without giving the story away, but it's certainly not what I was expecting. The characters in the book are very strong, the plot-line is completely twisted and this book really does leave you wanting more, although by the end of it, you feel relieved it's all over.
Anyone looking for a gripping, intense and twisting story, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed it. Question is, what is this book? A thriller, A horror, A crime related book, Or An erotic? It seemed to cater for all of them in a weird and wonderful way.
Great book, especially from a new author. I loved it
This book is a little hard to write a review for, without giving the story away, but it's certainly not what I was expecting. The characters in the book are very strong, the plot-line is completely twisted and this book really does leave you wanting more, although by the end of it, you feel relieved it's all over.
Anyone looking for a gripping, intense and twisting story, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed it. Question is, what is this book? A thriller, A horror, A crime related book, Or An erotic? It seemed to cater for all of them in a weird and wonderful way.
Great book, especially from a new author. I loved it
November 14, 2016
I was honoured to be given this book to review and I'm so glad I accepted. This was by far the most gripping book I've read in a long time and for an author just starting out, it was an amazing start.
I totally loved what she did with the main characters and it became a book where I couldn't vision the end until I got there. Overall, the best thriller I've read this year and I certainly will be on the look out for the next book from this lady.
I totally loved what she did with the main characters and it became a book where I couldn't vision the end until I got there. Overall, the best thriller I've read this year and I certainly will be on the look out for the next book from this lady.
November 28, 2016
I got given this book in exchange for a review, it was a bit of a slow starter as I thought it was a book about sex and I'm not really into seduction books. I kept going though and it was something else entirely!
Although some of it isn't believable it still has some gripping parts that make you carry on reading, I was a bit disappointed Jenna didn't get punished but all in all I enjoyed the read.
Although some of it isn't believable it still has some gripping parts that make you carry on reading, I was a bit disappointed Jenna didn't get punished but all in all I enjoyed the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2016
First of all I wanted to thank Ashley for sending me this book, it was incredibly sweet of you!
I actually liked this, I'm more a fan of psychological thrillers or ya, so it was a change. There were some parts where I thought the story was slightly slow but I found the twists definitely made up for that.
P.s. I never want to work in a hotel now
I actually liked this, I'm more a fan of psychological thrillers or ya, so it was a change. There were some parts where I thought the story was slightly slow but I found the twists definitely made up for that.
P.s. I never want to work in a hotel now
January 10, 2017
3.75 stars, I loved the story of this book, very gripping! My only downside was I'm not too into books with sexy scenes, I found myself a little uncomfortable at times but that is just my own personal preference.
The writing was amazing! As a debut novel Ashley should be extremely proud!!
Xx
The writing was amazing! As a debut novel Ashley should be extremely proud!!
Xx
May 4, 2017
It was an interesting start and development of the characters, and it really kept me wanted to read to the end! Definitely kept me engaged. A really good write, and made me think I was the one who was going crazy! And such a good ending. I didn't expect that! I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good thriller.
March 2, 2017
I received this book in PDF form from the author. I enjoyed it immensely! It had the perfect amount of sex and murder! I couldn't put it down! Definitely going to be keeping my eye out for other books by this author!
February 19, 2017
I was given this book in return for an honest review. I enjoyed this book and read it in a couple of sittings. Enjoyable characters, easy read.
Written as a first person, I liked that it changed characters halfway through.
Hoping there's a series of cure hotel books.
Written as a first person, I liked that it changed characters halfway through.
Hoping there's a series of cure hotel books.
December 18, 2016
WOW! It's really the only word that comes to mind while reading this book as well as the first word that comes to mind when it's all over.
This book is definitely a solid 4.5 stars! I can not begin to tell you how much mystery and suspense and twists there are in this story and that is a great thing. I loved being kept on my toes the entire time while reading this book because just when you thought you knew where this story was headed, you were shocked into a twist that you NEVER saw coming.
I can honestly say that I can't remember the last time I've read something that kept me so hooked that it was read in just one sitting!
If you're looking for a good book to get hooked onto that will keep you completely on edge with suspense, mystery, twists and even a few steamy scenes, then this is the book for you!
Honestly, a GREAT read!!
This book is definitely a solid 4.5 stars! I can not begin to tell you how much mystery and suspense and twists there are in this story and that is a great thing. I loved being kept on my toes the entire time while reading this book because just when you thought you knew where this story was headed, you were shocked into a twist that you NEVER saw coming.
I can honestly say that I can't remember the last time I've read something that kept me so hooked that it was read in just one sitting!
If you're looking for a good book to get hooked onto that will keep you completely on edge with suspense, mystery, twists and even a few steamy scenes, then this is the book for you!
Honestly, a GREAT read!!
November 7, 2016
Thoughtful and thought-provoking. Not at all the book I was expecting.
“The Cure Hotel” is a complex story about voyeurism gone wrong. This kind of story can be found at the blink of an eye on Amazon. What this book does differently however, is take the conclusion of the book and give it an intelligent meaning. Usually a killer will murder in a book, yet we seldom find out why they do it. It's sobering and totally satisfying to understand why this all happened and projects the book from an average read, into something a little raw, yet refreshing too.
For an author writing her first book this write may require tiny tweaks but overall, shows the imagination and talent is definitely there. Minor quibbles include, the lack of police and official intelligence throughout the book. And, date a time issues where the story unfolds.
This book really did surpass my overall expectations. It was gripping, terrifying in places and a little steamy too. I couldn't work out who was involved until the very last chapter, so the outcome was a total surprise.
I do highly recommend this book to thriller fans, who are looking for a raw book to get their teeth into, because I certainly enjoyed it.
“The Cure Hotel” is a complex story about voyeurism gone wrong. This kind of story can be found at the blink of an eye on Amazon. What this book does differently however, is take the conclusion of the book and give it an intelligent meaning. Usually a killer will murder in a book, yet we seldom find out why they do it. It's sobering and totally satisfying to understand why this all happened and projects the book from an average read, into something a little raw, yet refreshing too.
For an author writing her first book this write may require tiny tweaks but overall, shows the imagination and talent is definitely there. Minor quibbles include, the lack of police and official intelligence throughout the book. And, date a time issues where the story unfolds.
This book really did surpass my overall expectations. It was gripping, terrifying in places and a little steamy too. I couldn't work out who was involved until the very last chapter, so the outcome was a total surprise.
I do highly recommend this book to thriller fans, who are looking for a raw book to get their teeth into, because I certainly enjoyed it.
February 5, 2017
Welcome to The Cure Hotel
Ashley is a new author to me and this is the first book I have read by her and what a great book. This story is the biggest head mashing what the hell no kind of book I have ever read. Think Dexter but in a hotel and a very very very disturbed young lady who thinks she is doing the right thing. This is Christina and Jenna's book even though it's the one story you will see what I mean once you read it. I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours so enjoy this weird and exciting trip with this read.
Ashley is a new author to me and this is the first book I have read by her and what a great book. This story is the biggest head mashing what the hell no kind of book I have ever read. Think Dexter but in a hotel and a very very very disturbed young lady who thinks she is doing the right thing. This is Christina and Jenna's book even though it's the one story you will see what I mean once you read it. I couldn't put it down and read it in a few hours so enjoy this weird and exciting trip with this read.
November 19, 2016
I really loved this book, I was just going to read a few chapters to get me back to sleep, however 7am and I have stayed awake just to finish it.
You are taken on a journey of emotions with the two main characters and all the plot twists. It was so fast paced I could not stop reading especially from half way through, I did not expect what happened. However I feel like my journey was too short and would of absolutely loved more chapters. I will definitely have to read this book again and can't wait for the next book from Ashley.
You are taken on a journey of emotions with the two main characters and all the plot twists. It was so fast paced I could not stop reading especially from half way through, I did not expect what happened. However I feel like my journey was too short and would of absolutely loved more chapters. I will definitely have to read this book again and can't wait for the next book from Ashley.
January 4, 2019
I was given this book for an honest review. Whatever you expect to read in ‘The Cure hotel’ don’t! The cure hotel is full of twist and turns and I never could have imagined the ending at all! I usually like my standard stories where you know how it’s going to finish from the very start but this took me by surprise! I was hooked from the start, if I was to categorise the book in to three words it would be GRIPPING, SUSPENSEFUL and SHOCKING.
These aren’t usually the type of books I read but after this, I think I will make room for them every now and then.
These aren’t usually the type of books I read but after this, I think I will make room for them every now and then.
January 1, 2020
I was sent this book to give an honest review of it. Too much sex stuff! That's just my personal opinion, it's just not what I'm into reading about. The story was good though, and written in a "diary" type way made the timelines more understandable.
A bit of a twist half way through that I was not expecting, turned the story around (for the better) and the ending was totally different to what I thought would happen.
All in all, a good read.
A bit of a twist half way through that I was not expecting, turned the story around (for the better) and the ending was totally different to what I thought would happen.
All in all, a good read.
December 28, 2016
This book was one of the most gripping, unexpected thrillers I've ever read.
Not only does the author excite you and make you unable to put the book down, but she shocks and amazes you page after page.
I haven't read a book this quickly in a long time so it was definitely a nice, accomplishing feeling!
Thanks to the author for a lovely read.
Not only does the author excite you and make you unable to put the book down, but she shocks and amazes you page after page.
I haven't read a book this quickly in a long time so it was definitely a nice, accomplishing feeling!
Thanks to the author for a lovely read.
February 5, 2017
I got given this book for an honest review and thank you Ashley I enjoyed this book had me gripped and the twists were unexpected
November 10, 2016
I'm not sure what I loved about this book, but I just did. At one stage I wanted to kill the main character myself and at the next, she got me feeling sorry for her. Very enjoyable
April 30, 2017
This book was bad, the whole story was very far fetched and unbelievable, it was a bit silly in places too, nope not a book for me.
November 29, 2016
I really struggled to read this book, it just wasn't for me and I found the writing poor and the storyline a bit far fetched.
December 22, 2016
This book was kindly given to me in exchange for an honest and fair review. Would have to give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.
*be aware there are spoiler alerts*
When I first started this book I was worried. It is not the type of book I would pick up or recommend to my reading group, HOWEVER I am so pleased I persevered.
The two main characters are fairly young and seem naive in their own ways. At first this grated on me a lot, especially as it was written in first person. I can't quite put my finger on when this happened but all of a sudden I was captivated in their lives.
I really did not like Christina, she seemed quite stereotypical horny teenager who had to get her own way. Her attitude towards Jenna at times I felt was unjustified. I think I warmed to Christina after the 'boyfriend incident' in the hotel, she tried to do the right thing as soon as she realised who he was and it was a relief to see she had some morals. It was interesting to see her character develop and change throughout the book, I started to believe in her as a character and found her more relatable to actual people as the horny teenage stereotype dropped.
Jenna was an unexpected character, I say this because I just didn't see her actions and behaviour coming at all! I found her infuriating, which just shows that it was written in such a way as a reader you really do get drawn in and attached.
I do find it hard to believe that the manager of the hotel would have known what she did and left her to it though. Why insist on unlocking the basement door knowing there are bodies down there? Surely that puts him in a worse situation as it would have come out that he knew about it eventually and there must have been implications with the police etc. I also found the fact that everything was left in the basement or a dark alleyway a bit too obvious. They are the typical 'scary places' when you read ghost stories or read thrillers. It is bothering me that the manager did not do anything to help her/ stop her killing guests/ care about her state of mind. The fact he almost found it 'normal' was disturbing - surely he figured out the link between the victims, so why on earth did he try it on with her when he was married?
There were several aspects of the book that made me roll my eyes, firstly where did the manager get the money to do up the hotel so quickly, especially as they were such drastic changes and with only 4 guests at the hotel!
Then there was the fact the manager knew everything Jenna was doing, then Jenna knowing he knew, and then managing to kill him, the police amazingly turning up in the nick of time and how on earth after all that did she go on to run her own hotel with the same name in a different place? Why didn't Mr Hodge actually come clean to Christina as to what he was really doing at the hotel? This could have developed the plot a bit further and given Jenna a bit more of a challenge. It seemed a little to easy to be completely realistic.
The ending was quite rushed, which was a shame because it was a genuinely great twist that I didn't see coming and was a great way to end the novel. The last sentence almost ruined the ending completely as it just seemed so cliche and I don't think the reference to 'curing' the guests was necessary as it was implied throughout the book.
There are parts of this book that are wonderful. I would definitely read books by Ashley Clancy in the future!
The suspense built up extremely well, I literally could not put this book down! The scene in the bedroom with the teenage girl and the best friends dad had me on the edge of my chair, omg! How did she not get caught?!?! My eyes were glued to my kindle I was so sure they were going to make a wrong move and had to know what the wife would have done! What a situation! It gave the book a deeper erotic feel as it is one of those situations I imagine would be in a 50 shades type book as it is so risque.
The character development between Jenna and Christina was superb! To go from friends to loathing each other was well carried out and it was written in such a way it was made believable.
The character change half way through blew my mind completely. I wasn't expecting Christina to die and it took me a minute to realise that it was Jenna talking to us now! It could have been executed slightly better but was really effective once it was obvious Jenna had taken over.
I didn't feel anything was added in to this book to drag it out at all. It was very readable, and it did sound like it could have genuinely been one of the girls diary. The use of language was appropriate for the events and the characters. The scenes were set well and the use of description made me feel like I had been at the hotel and knew every little scratch on the wall etc that could have been there.
Thank you so much Abby S. Clancy for letting me read and review your book! It is nice to see others enjoyed the book just as much as I did and leave you some great feedback! It was so close to being 4/5 stars but there were just a few niggly things that I could not quite believe.
*be aware there are spoiler alerts*
When I first started this book I was worried. It is not the type of book I would pick up or recommend to my reading group, HOWEVER I am so pleased I persevered.
The two main characters are fairly young and seem naive in their own ways. At first this grated on me a lot, especially as it was written in first person. I can't quite put my finger on when this happened but all of a sudden I was captivated in their lives.
I really did not like Christina, she seemed quite stereotypical horny teenager who had to get her own way. Her attitude towards Jenna at times I felt was unjustified. I think I warmed to Christina after the 'boyfriend incident' in the hotel, she tried to do the right thing as soon as she realised who he was and it was a relief to see she had some morals. It was interesting to see her character develop and change throughout the book, I started to believe in her as a character and found her more relatable to actual people as the horny teenage stereotype dropped.
Jenna was an unexpected character, I say this because I just didn't see her actions and behaviour coming at all! I found her infuriating, which just shows that it was written in such a way as a reader you really do get drawn in and attached.
I do find it hard to believe that the manager of the hotel would have known what she did and left her to it though. Why insist on unlocking the basement door knowing there are bodies down there? Surely that puts him in a worse situation as it would have come out that he knew about it eventually and there must have been implications with the police etc. I also found the fact that everything was left in the basement or a dark alleyway a bit too obvious. They are the typical 'scary places' when you read ghost stories or read thrillers. It is bothering me that the manager did not do anything to help her/ stop her killing guests/ care about her state of mind. The fact he almost found it 'normal' was disturbing - surely he figured out the link between the victims, so why on earth did he try it on with her when he was married?
There were several aspects of the book that made me roll my eyes, firstly where did the manager get the money to do up the hotel so quickly, especially as they were such drastic changes and with only 4 guests at the hotel!
Then there was the fact the manager knew everything Jenna was doing, then Jenna knowing he knew, and then managing to kill him, the police amazingly turning up in the nick of time and how on earth after all that did she go on to run her own hotel with the same name in a different place? Why didn't Mr Hodge actually come clean to Christina as to what he was really doing at the hotel? This could have developed the plot a bit further and given Jenna a bit more of a challenge. It seemed a little to easy to be completely realistic.
The ending was quite rushed, which was a shame because it was a genuinely great twist that I didn't see coming and was a great way to end the novel. The last sentence almost ruined the ending completely as it just seemed so cliche and I don't think the reference to 'curing' the guests was necessary as it was implied throughout the book.
There are parts of this book that are wonderful. I would definitely read books by Ashley Clancy in the future!
The suspense built up extremely well, I literally could not put this book down! The scene in the bedroom with the teenage girl and the best friends dad had me on the edge of my chair, omg! How did she not get caught?!?! My eyes were glued to my kindle I was so sure they were going to make a wrong move and had to know what the wife would have done! What a situation! It gave the book a deeper erotic feel as it is one of those situations I imagine would be in a 50 shades type book as it is so risque.
The character development between Jenna and Christina was superb! To go from friends to loathing each other was well carried out and it was written in such a way it was made believable.
The character change half way through blew my mind completely. I wasn't expecting Christina to die and it took me a minute to realise that it was Jenna talking to us now! It could have been executed slightly better but was really effective once it was obvious Jenna had taken over.
I didn't feel anything was added in to this book to drag it out at all. It was very readable, and it did sound like it could have genuinely been one of the girls diary. The use of language was appropriate for the events and the characters. The scenes were set well and the use of description made me feel like I had been at the hotel and knew every little scratch on the wall etc that could have been there.
Thank you so much Abby S. Clancy for letting me read and review your book! It is nice to see others enjoyed the book just as much as I did and leave you some great feedback! It was so close to being 4/5 stars but there were just a few niggly things that I could not quite believe.
June 11, 2017
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. *
What the fuck. What the actual fuck. No. Just nooo . I thought Concealed Anguish was absurd, but this, THIS just brought it to a whole new level. If there is one thing this author needs to stray away from it's murders because the murders in this book (and in the other one) are just plain out awful. Aside from general common sense, there is also some thing called research. Research is very important when writing about something you do not know the details of. It creates everything you write more viable and realistic to the readers.
Lemme explain the book a bit first, okay. We have the first main character, Christina, who's basically a horny teenager who doesn't have parents, lives alone, and doesn't go to school all of which don't really make any sense. It could have made sense if it was explained in some way (maybe I did skip over these details), but that just seems incorrect to me. She works as a night receptionist at the Cure Hotel with her co-worker Jenna and manager (who only works during the day) Mr. Harper.
Now if we just had the whole book be about Christina's sexual rendezvous with the hotel guests. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFECTLY FINE. I could have read that no problem. Have some drama between her and some of the guys. Fine. Depending on how it was portrayed, could have given the book two or three stars (the writing really just kills me; it sounds like how I used to write when I was in the eighth grade). But then... There's the "twist."
So the POV changes in chapter seven from Christina's to Jenna's. Backstory, Christina and Jenna's boyfriend, Greg, almost had sex until Christina realized that it was Jenna's boyfriend then she backed off. So Jenna totally goes ballistic and literally kills Christina (and Greg prior) because she hates cheater. What. The. Actual. Fuck. And then the rest of the book is basically how she kills all the cheaters who go to the Cure Hotel.
Can I just... Was there really no thought into how actual murders go? I'm sure murders are not that simple. The author made seem as though murders were the run-of-the-mill things. Like, oh you know. Just murdered someone, no big deal. What the actual fuck? And then the police do absolutely nothing in terms of the investigations? For God's sake, two celebrities were murdered by Jenna, and absolutely NOTHING was done. I'm not saying a celebrity's life is more important that a regular human being's life, BUT for a FACT, the paparazzi, private investigators, the whole she-bang, would have occurred. Jenna is honestly too dumb to not get caught.
Then the ending literally made me want to punch something. Mr. Harper ended up knowing about the whole thing the whole time, consoled Jenna as to saying "it's okay that you murdered those people, you're not crazy, you just didn't know how to handle you emotions when your were cheated on," and then they move their Cure Hotel (because now they're a fucking couple) to Florida. It's now Jenna's sense of duty to ask the people who are checking in if they are married, engaged, or dating just in case she needs to murder again.
I just want to... I'm not even mad because after reading the first book by this author, I should have seen something like this was coming. I just want to sigh deeply and wish for all of my time wasted back. Perhaps regain a few of the hundreds of brain cells I lost. There is something called research which is something that desperately needs to be done in these books. Everything is too bewildering for any of it to be even believable. This is not some high fantasy novel or action novel in which murder is "normal." I can't even categorize this as some type of thriller because the only thrill I got from this book was when it ended. There's also the problem of trying to do something that one is just not capable of doing. After reading how this author writes about murder and killing people, I think that it'd be best if these topics aren't focused on anymore or waited until it is improved upon. Trying to add too much shit in such a small book really just ruins the whole thing.
This could have been decent if it really just focused on one aspect. That one aspect being Christina getting with the guests at the Cure Hotel. But once you throw in the absurdity of everything, it really does just fall apart.
What the fuck. What the actual fuck. No. Just nooo . I thought Concealed Anguish was absurd, but this, THIS just brought it to a whole new level. If there is one thing this author needs to stray away from it's murders because the murders in this book (and in the other one) are just plain out awful. Aside from general common sense, there is also some thing called research. Research is very important when writing about something you do not know the details of. It creates everything you write more viable and realistic to the readers.
Lemme explain the book a bit first, okay. We have the first main character, Christina, who's basically a horny teenager who doesn't have parents, lives alone, and doesn't go to school all of which don't really make any sense. It could have made sense if it was explained in some way (maybe I did skip over these details), but that just seems incorrect to me. She works as a night receptionist at the Cure Hotel with her co-worker Jenna and manager (who only works during the day) Mr. Harper.
Now if we just had the whole book be about Christina's sexual rendezvous with the hotel guests. IT WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFECTLY FINE. I could have read that no problem. Have some drama between her and some of the guys. Fine. Depending on how it was portrayed, could have given the book two or three stars (the writing really just kills me; it sounds like how I used to write when I was in the eighth grade). But then... There's the "twist."
So the POV changes in chapter seven from Christina's to Jenna's. Backstory, Christina and Jenna's boyfriend, Greg, almost had sex until Christina realized that it was Jenna's boyfriend then she backed off. So Jenna totally goes ballistic and literally kills Christina (and Greg prior) because she hates cheater. What. The. Actual. Fuck. And then the rest of the book is basically how she kills all the cheaters who go to the Cure Hotel.
Can I just... Was there really no thought into how actual murders go? I'm sure murders are not that simple. The author made seem as though murders were the run-of-the-mill things. Like, oh you know. Just murdered someone, no big deal. What the actual fuck? And then the police do absolutely nothing in terms of the investigations? For God's sake, two celebrities were murdered by Jenna, and absolutely NOTHING was done. I'm not saying a celebrity's life is more important that a regular human being's life, BUT for a FACT, the paparazzi, private investigators, the whole she-bang, would have occurred. Jenna is honestly too dumb to not get caught.
Then the ending literally made me want to punch something. Mr. Harper ended up knowing about the whole thing the whole time, consoled Jenna as to saying "it's okay that you murdered those people, you're not crazy, you just didn't know how to handle you emotions when your were cheated on," and then they move their Cure Hotel (because now they're a fucking couple) to Florida. It's now Jenna's sense of duty to ask the people who are checking in if they are married, engaged, or dating just in case she needs to murder again.
I just want to... I'm not even mad because after reading the first book by this author, I should have seen something like this was coming. I just want to sigh deeply and wish for all of my time wasted back. Perhaps regain a few of the hundreds of brain cells I lost. There is something called research which is something that desperately needs to be done in these books. Everything is too bewildering for any of it to be even believable. This is not some high fantasy novel or action novel in which murder is "normal." I can't even categorize this as some type of thriller because the only thrill I got from this book was when it ended. There's also the problem of trying to do something that one is just not capable of doing. After reading how this author writes about murder and killing people, I think that it'd be best if these topics aren't focused on anymore or waited until it is improved upon. Trying to add too much shit in such a small book really just ruins the whole thing.
This could have been decent if it really just focused on one aspect. That one aspect being Christina getting with the guests at the Cure Hotel. But once you throw in the absurdity of everything, it really does just fall apart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2016
What started out as a young girl working in a hotel, enjoying sex with guests whenever she could, turned into one of the most gripping reads I've endured for a while. It's really funny, but up until chapter six, I can't say it was gripping at all, but I could feel it building into something exciting.
I was so pissed off when Christina was killed off and at that point thought about putting the book down. However, I decided to read just one more chapter and I was hooked. Jenna is a nutcase, yet I mean that in a nice way. Somehow, someway the book had me feeling sorry for the serial killer - crazy bitch, but it's though I knew she was struggling with some bigger issues inside. I thought the confusion she felt about the sick/watching thing was amazing and I understand fully why she went off the rails, but I do believe this should have been stated earlier on in the book, which would have enabled me the chance to connect with her quicker. A serious mix of hating her one minute, feeling sorry for her the next, then totally enjoying her antics following until the end of the book. I especially loved the part where she would talk to her dead boyfriend (That was seriously tacky, comical and cringe worthy, yet it worked for the character perfectly). Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and it was amazing to read something where I didn't for a second realise what was going to happen next. Looking forward to the second book by this author a lot.
I was so pissed off when Christina was killed off and at that point thought about putting the book down. However, I decided to read just one more chapter and I was hooked. Jenna is a nutcase, yet I mean that in a nice way. Somehow, someway the book had me feeling sorry for the serial killer - crazy bitch, but it's though I knew she was struggling with some bigger issues inside. I thought the confusion she felt about the sick/watching thing was amazing and I understand fully why she went off the rails, but I do believe this should have been stated earlier on in the book, which would have enabled me the chance to connect with her quicker. A serious mix of hating her one minute, feeling sorry for her the next, then totally enjoying her antics following until the end of the book. I especially loved the part where she would talk to her dead boyfriend (That was seriously tacky, comical and cringe worthy, yet it worked for the character perfectly). Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and it was amazing to read something where I didn't for a second realise what was going to happen next. Looking forward to the second book by this author a lot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2017
**This book was provided to me through the Read It and Reap program in exchange for an honest review**
This book was a difficult one for me to review. I was nervous when I first started reading because the style of writing doesn't match my style of reading. I was worried that this difference in styles would affect my review, but I can happily say that, in time, the personal/ diary-like writing style soon became a non-issue. The book read as if it were an old friend sitting down across the table with a bucket of beers between us.
I enjoyed the author's dominant and secondary characters and how they all pulled together. The author was able to keep the reader entertained and fascinated by each "turning point" in the story. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend for lovers of suspense romance.
This book was a difficult one for me to review. I was nervous when I first started reading because the style of writing doesn't match my style of reading. I was worried that this difference in styles would affect my review, but I can happily say that, in time, the personal/ diary-like writing style soon became a non-issue. The book read as if it were an old friend sitting down across the table with a bucket of beers between us.
I enjoyed the author's dominant and secondary characters and how they all pulled together. The author was able to keep the reader entertained and fascinated by each "turning point" in the story. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend for lovers of suspense romance.
November 8, 2016
A wonderfully written book from a new talented author.
I've stayed in many hotel in my life and never thought this kind of thing would happen. Obviously, i know this is a fictional book, but that's the great thing about it, it still makes you think.
I noticed a very high level of intensity during this book, a touch of horror, a shed load of sinister and if I'm honest, a dabble of humour too. It ticked all my boxes and I really enjoyed reading it.
Good luck in your career Ashley. If you've started at this quality, I can only see thing getting better for you. Well done, great little book.
I've stayed in many hotel in my life and never thought this kind of thing would happen. Obviously, i know this is a fictional book, but that's the great thing about it, it still makes you think.
I noticed a very high level of intensity during this book, a touch of horror, a shed load of sinister and if I'm honest, a dabble of humour too. It ticked all my boxes and I really enjoyed reading it.
Good luck in your career Ashley. If you've started at this quality, I can only see thing getting better for you. Well done, great little book.
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