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Wretched
Bruce Mclean has experienced more tragedy and blessing in his forty-five years than most people would over several lifetimes.
Orphaned at six when his mother died of a heroin overdose, he was fortunate enough to be adopted by a loving and caring couple - but tragedy returned to strike again at twelve, when his adoptive mother died of cancer, and yet again in high school, when his adoptive father was killed in a car accident.
Bruce enters adulthood completely alone in life and haunted by dreams of a mother he barely remembers.
Both exceptional and flawed in many ways, Bruce perseveres and marries a beautiful woman with whom he fathers a daughter. He goes on to build a successful business empire and considerable wealth .
But fate isn’t anywhere near finished with Bruce. Years later, divorced, he makes a lifestyle choice to relocate to a small idyllic mountain town. He is determined to move on to a new phase in his life.
There he meets Tara, a very sexy and very dangerous woman, and is suddenly thrust into a web of sex, lies, deceit, and betrayal that threaten not only his business and wealth, but everything he holds dear.
Like Bruce, Tara is extremely active, and after a few sessions of tearing up the mountain bike trails as well as ravaging each other, Bruce is completely under the spell of this alluring woman.
But all is not what it seems, for Tara is from a different world than Bruce. As an ex-marine and mercenary, she is a very strong female but she is also an unapologetic psychopath.
Bruce soon finds that to protect his loved ones, he must navigate through the impossible odds stacked against him by those who would seek his destruction, while at the same time dealing with his own inner demons and a tragic past that seems determined to follow him.
Orphaned at six when his mother died of a heroin overdose, he was fortunate enough to be adopted by a loving and caring couple - but tragedy returned to strike again at twelve, when his adoptive mother died of cancer, and yet again in high school, when his adoptive father was killed in a car accident.
Bruce enters adulthood completely alone in life and haunted by dreams of a mother he barely remembers.
Both exceptional and flawed in many ways, Bruce perseveres and marries a beautiful woman with whom he fathers a daughter. He goes on to build a successful business empire and considerable wealth .
But fate isn’t anywhere near finished with Bruce. Years later, divorced, he makes a lifestyle choice to relocate to a small idyllic mountain town. He is determined to move on to a new phase in his life.
There he meets Tara, a very sexy and very dangerous woman, and is suddenly thrust into a web of sex, lies, deceit, and betrayal that threaten not only his business and wealth, but everything he holds dear.
Like Bruce, Tara is extremely active, and after a few sessions of tearing up the mountain bike trails as well as ravaging each other, Bruce is completely under the spell of this alluring woman.
But all is not what it seems, for Tara is from a different world than Bruce. As an ex-marine and mercenary, she is a very strong female but she is also an unapologetic psychopath.
Bruce soon finds that to protect his loved ones, he must navigate through the impossible odds stacked against him by those who would seek his destruction, while at the same time dealing with his own inner demons and a tragic past that seems determined to follow him.
350 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2017
6 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Jake Remington
1 book42 followersJake Remington is a new indie author.
New in terms of being an author – middle aged, Jake is by no means new to this world and has lived a lot of life.
Still young at heart, Jake is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to ski, mountain bike, climb & hike.
Living in a small mountain town in British Columbia is heaven on earth for Jake.
Jake has worked many years in business - leadership roles and postings have had him living in Indonesia, China, South America and the U.S. as well as traveling all over the world, but British Columbia has always been home.
Jake loves reading psychological thrillers, particularly of a twisted & sexual nature and as such has taken to writing as a new outlet to explore his darker side.
Be sure to check out Jake’s new novel Wretched - a multi-dimensional psychological thriller set amidst a backdrop of both the business world and an active mountain lifestyle.
New in terms of being an author – middle aged, Jake is by no means new to this world and has lived a lot of life.
Still young at heart, Jake is an outdoor enthusiast who loves to ski, mountain bike, climb & hike.
Living in a small mountain town in British Columbia is heaven on earth for Jake.
Jake has worked many years in business - leadership roles and postings have had him living in Indonesia, China, South America and the U.S. as well as traveling all over the world, but British Columbia has always been home.
Jake loves reading psychological thrillers, particularly of a twisted & sexual nature and as such has taken to writing as a new outlet to explore his darker side.
Be sure to check out Jake’s new novel Wretched - a multi-dimensional psychological thriller set amidst a backdrop of both the business world and an active mountain lifestyle.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 17, 2017
WHO'S THE BADASS NOW...
This was one of our psychological thriller monthly reads for July 2017 at Goodreads.com and even though I started late I can say I am glad I found my way back into the group again to read this one.. This one brought some memories and thinking to my attention and even though my life has been on a roller coaster ride this past year I really enjoyed reading 📚 this to kind of help me try and stay more calmer and not make the stupid mistakes I did back in April...
Ok 👌so this is about one badass person who does some crazy shit and falls for the one who is at the opposite end of things...I never seen it coming but I did see these people develop a crazy add relationship though...I know if you haven't read this book yet then to figure out what is the mess and who is the badass then you will have to read it yourself...
This was one of our psychological thriller monthly reads for July 2017 at Goodreads.com and even though I started late I can say I am glad I found my way back into the group again to read this one.. This one brought some memories and thinking to my attention and even though my life has been on a roller coaster ride this past year I really enjoyed reading 📚 this to kind of help me try and stay more calmer and not make the stupid mistakes I did back in April...
Ok 👌so this is about one badass person who does some crazy shit and falls for the one who is at the opposite end of things...I never seen it coming but I did see these people develop a crazy add relationship though...I know if you haven't read this book yet then to figure out what is the mess and who is the badass then you will have to read it yourself...
May 15, 2017
I received Wretched from the author based on a Goodreads psychological readers book club promotion. My review of Wretched has nothing to do with the fact I received this book for free. Wretched stars out like a romance novel, moves into the erotic romance theme and then hits into overdrive into the psychological thriller as the pace of the book accelerates.
The leading character in Wretched, Bruce Mclean, is a self made business tycoon who met his wife in college. There are correlations to the rich billionaire who has a knack for seducing women as with other erotic themed books. But Wretched is different than these erotic themed romances. Bruce came from humble beginnings and built an empire on his own. Bruce also has a well endowed tool and knows how to use this tool for his other other's pleasure. I know this review reads like the Fifty Shades of Grey themed books. But just as I was pulled into yet another billionaire erotic self made businessman with self worth issues plot, the author threw me for a look by adding a kidnapping for ransom plot twist.
The ransom plot twist changes Wretched from an erotic romance story to a grit your teeth psychological thriller. The characters in Wretched carry both hate and love traits. The author did a great job of changing how I felt about these characters. I found myself gripped on this book from the middle to the end. I loved the pacing of Wretched and I flew threw this book as I wanted to find how Wretched ends.
I found Wretched contained a lot of humor that I found really refreshing. I felt I was reading a Dexter book at times when reading Wretched. This was a great book that I highly recommend.
The leading character in Wretched, Bruce Mclean, is a self made business tycoon who met his wife in college. There are correlations to the rich billionaire who has a knack for seducing women as with other erotic themed books. But Wretched is different than these erotic themed romances. Bruce came from humble beginnings and built an empire on his own. Bruce also has a well endowed tool and knows how to use this tool for his other other's pleasure. I know this review reads like the Fifty Shades of Grey themed books. But just as I was pulled into yet another billionaire erotic self made businessman with self worth issues plot, the author threw me for a look by adding a kidnapping for ransom plot twist.
The ransom plot twist changes Wretched from an erotic romance story to a grit your teeth psychological thriller. The characters in Wretched carry both hate and love traits. The author did a great job of changing how I felt about these characters. I found myself gripped on this book from the middle to the end. I loved the pacing of Wretched and I flew threw this book as I wanted to find how Wretched ends.
I found Wretched contained a lot of humor that I found really refreshing. I felt I was reading a Dexter book at times when reading Wretched. This was a great book that I highly recommend.
July 2, 2017
Wretched is a different kind of read for the Psy/thriller genre as some scenes were very sexually explicit and not what I normally read. The graphic nature of the book makes it unique. The characters are well developed and I found myself rooting for Bruce. Tara, despite all of her mental issues, I find to be protective of the people she allows to enter her circle of trust. Overall, a tale of family and what people do for the money and or love. I look forward to the next installment.
June 9, 2017
This one has a bit of everything - romance, suspense, action and LOTS of sex. The story definitely had me entertained from the get go. The only thing that got on my nerves were the numerous mentions of the main character's huge penis - I get it, he's blessed, let's move on. This was a pretty fast read and definitely had it's share of twists. I don't want to put in any spoilers, but let's just say, there are some twisted women in this one!
I usually determine how good a book is by whether or not I would be interested in reading further novels by an author; this one passed the test. I look forward to more from Jake Remington.
I usually determine how good a book is by whether or not I would be interested in reading further novels by an author; this one passed the test. I look forward to more from Jake Remington.
November 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this novel and hope to see a 2nd where Bruce finds out who his Father his, (with Tara's help), and where and how he moves on with his life. Some of the sex scenes were quite steamy! But around page 161- spoilers- so don't read on unless you have read it ! Things start to get quite intense!
The waterboarding scenes made me super uncomfortable as I know people who have gone through this for training and I can't even begin to imagine. The intricate lies and betrayals were heartbreaking and beyond every corner. There just wasn't any way to predict what would happen next and to whom. Although, in my humble opinion, Rick got off quite easy. I'd like to see him pay up more if there is a sequel, and I hope there is! I don't feel like Tara is a Psychopath or any diagnosis related to that. I believe if that were the case there would have been a lot more death in this novel than there were. She may not believe she feel's emotion, but she does feel. Her code, or whatever she calls it, IS her belief system. She has multiple chances to dispatch human beings that a sociopath would view as objects rather than human beings - and she doesn't. Although, I do see her bringing a new dog into Bruce's life in the future. Because, Bob (the dog ), at the time was an objective in her mission. We see her feelings change for Bruce, even Clare - change towards the end. Her code even demands restitution towards Byron's family that has been left behind.
This isn't merely a "code", military- mercenary or otherwise. She truly wants to set "wrongs" "right". Implying to some degree, a very basic tenet of a good human nature, that was damaged and tested at a very young age. So she found coping skills to protect herself. Being a female, exposed to some very nasty things early in my own life. I also joined the military, kept my feelings guarded, and my personal life even more guarded.
At the end of the story we see Tara becoming more "human", remembering Bruce's birthday, stopping by his Daughter (Clare's) store to say Hi, and purchase some items for her ski trip to meet Bruce. These don't seem to be actions of a sociopath or psychotic.
In the end we see Clare, having lost her way, finding herself again. Through Nature, spiritually, bonding with her Dad, setting up her own business, surviving and thriving. Bruce seems happy as well. Having sold his company found some peace, and deciding what to do next. I'm going to take a leap here, and hope it has something to do with the Foster Care System in BC, helping young heroin addicts, searching for his Father, and the rest of his Mother's family.
As for Jenn, I do understand some of her insecurities, I know nothing is ever black & white. But I cannot ever, in my worst nightmare, imagine doing something like what she did. You just don't put the life of your child in the hands of mercenaries - period. Because your life wasn't cushy enough for you? I have less than zero sympathy. Of course then we wouldn't have had this great book! I hope to see a second one with more adventures with Tara, Clare & Bruce. Possibly a legit love interest for Clare?
This honest honest and unbiased review was given in exchange for a free copy of the e book.
Thank you & Happy Reading!
Brandie Lea
brandie.slicer@gmail.com
The waterboarding scenes made me super uncomfortable as I know people who have gone through this for training and I can't even begin to imagine. The intricate lies and betrayals were heartbreaking and beyond every corner. There just wasn't any way to predict what would happen next and to whom. Although, in my humble opinion, Rick got off quite easy. I'd like to see him pay up more if there is a sequel, and I hope there is! I don't feel like Tara is a Psychopath or any diagnosis related to that. I believe if that were the case there would have been a lot more death in this novel than there were. She may not believe she feel's emotion, but she does feel. Her code, or whatever she calls it, IS her belief system. She has multiple chances to dispatch human beings that a sociopath would view as objects rather than human beings - and she doesn't. Although, I do see her bringing a new dog into Bruce's life in the future. Because, Bob (the dog ), at the time was an objective in her mission. We see her feelings change for Bruce, even Clare - change towards the end. Her code even demands restitution towards Byron's family that has been left behind.
This isn't merely a "code", military- mercenary or otherwise. She truly wants to set "wrongs" "right". Implying to some degree, a very basic tenet of a good human nature, that was damaged and tested at a very young age. So she found coping skills to protect herself. Being a female, exposed to some very nasty things early in my own life. I also joined the military, kept my feelings guarded, and my personal life even more guarded.
At the end of the story we see Tara becoming more "human", remembering Bruce's birthday, stopping by his Daughter (Clare's) store to say Hi, and purchase some items for her ski trip to meet Bruce. These don't seem to be actions of a sociopath or psychotic.
In the end we see Clare, having lost her way, finding herself again. Through Nature, spiritually, bonding with her Dad, setting up her own business, surviving and thriving. Bruce seems happy as well. Having sold his company found some peace, and deciding what to do next. I'm going to take a leap here, and hope it has something to do with the Foster Care System in BC, helping young heroin addicts, searching for his Father, and the rest of his Mother's family.
As for Jenn, I do understand some of her insecurities, I know nothing is ever black & white. But I cannot ever, in my worst nightmare, imagine doing something like what she did. You just don't put the life of your child in the hands of mercenaries - period. Because your life wasn't cushy enough for you? I have less than zero sympathy. Of course then we wouldn't have had this great book! I hope to see a second one with more adventures with Tara, Clare & Bruce. Possibly a legit love interest for Clare?
This honest honest and unbiased review was given in exchange for a free copy of the e book.
Thank you & Happy Reading!
Brandie Lea
brandie.slicer@gmail.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2017
Holy Guacamole !! I cannot begin to comprehend what I just read. Talk about screwed up family !!
What moved me the most was the raw style of writing. The plot was fast paced, hardly giving us time to re-think about what happened before the next mind blasting (in literal sense) thing happened. My review is going to have some spoilers. So, please proceed only when you have completed the book.
When I read the first line, " I'm lying in bed beside a very beautiful woman and she is a pyschopath", I was hooked. I literally straightened my posture, like I was ready to confront who ever that psychopath was. After a couple of lines, the plot moves through mundane chit-chat about men/women natures, and the story of 'How Bruce met his Ex' and flashes of Bruce's childhood with his adoptive parents (which were really endearing at the same time showcased how Bruce is as strong willed as he is now). And now Bruce is divorced. BTW, what's up with the confrontation when he found his wife was cheating ?? A cool cucumber, him. But let's continue, and now he is in Nelson enjoying nature trails and stuff. And he meets this hot lady with 'Cleopatra' type looks and she is bad-ass. Ex-oorah-marine, lean and fit and the topping on an already delicious desert, her bitchy attitude. And the wooing rituals begin. Note that, by now my previously straightened posture is slackening, because this is normal stuff. Right ? Hello No !!
"In her hand was a black handled knife with about 8" serrated blade. She brought it up over head and drove the knife straight down into the top of Bob's head - he slumped, killed instantly. " For all those reading my review, without reading the book (despite my warning), Bob is the dog. And from there a whirlwind tale of crazy-yet-edgy psycho begins. On the way, betrayals and ruthless plans are unraveled. I was shocked to read about the 5th partner in the plan. The question which is begged to be asked now is, "So who's the real psycho ???" Coz trust me, Tara did not show a lot of psychotic tendencies, except Bob ofcourse. But even then, she worked with a code of honor throughout the story, even if that code was warped.
What I fail to understand, is that how am I feeling soft towards to the gang of killers. They tortured Bruce. Tortured !! And how can they still command the softness in my mind. Whatever ! After all the drama, poor Byron was the unlucky one. Because everyone else escaped unhurt in this frenzy.
Phew, I have written more than I was planning to. But, I would like to end the review stating that everyone in this story was a psychopath in their own way. Bruce(I mean, who adapts to crazy situations so fast??), Jenn, Clare (because who plans such a morbid plan??) , Marcus (amazing fight !),Stephen and least of all Tara. One mind-screwing story !!
What moved me the most was the raw style of writing. The plot was fast paced, hardly giving us time to re-think about what happened before the next mind blasting (in literal sense) thing happened. My review is going to have some spoilers. So, please proceed only when you have completed the book.
When I read the first line, " I'm lying in bed beside a very beautiful woman and she is a pyschopath", I was hooked. I literally straightened my posture, like I was ready to confront who ever that psychopath was. After a couple of lines, the plot moves through mundane chit-chat about men/women natures, and the story of 'How Bruce met his Ex' and flashes of Bruce's childhood with his adoptive parents (which were really endearing at the same time showcased how Bruce is as strong willed as he is now). And now Bruce is divorced. BTW, what's up with the confrontation when he found his wife was cheating ?? A cool cucumber, him. But let's continue, and now he is in Nelson enjoying nature trails and stuff. And he meets this hot lady with 'Cleopatra' type looks and she is bad-ass. Ex-oorah-marine, lean and fit and the topping on an already delicious desert, her bitchy attitude. And the wooing rituals begin. Note that, by now my previously straightened posture is slackening, because this is normal stuff. Right ? Hello No !!
"In her hand was a black handled knife with about 8" serrated blade. She brought it up over head and drove the knife straight down into the top of Bob's head - he slumped, killed instantly. " For all those reading my review, without reading the book (despite my warning), Bob is the dog. And from there a whirlwind tale of crazy-yet-edgy psycho begins. On the way, betrayals and ruthless plans are unraveled. I was shocked to read about the 5th partner in the plan. The question which is begged to be asked now is, "So who's the real psycho ???" Coz trust me, Tara did not show a lot of psychotic tendencies, except Bob ofcourse. But even then, she worked with a code of honor throughout the story, even if that code was warped.
What I fail to understand, is that how am I feeling soft towards to the gang of killers. They tortured Bruce. Tortured !! And how can they still command the softness in my mind. Whatever ! After all the drama, poor Byron was the unlucky one. Because everyone else escaped unhurt in this frenzy.
Phew, I have written more than I was planning to. But, I would like to end the review stating that everyone in this story was a psychopath in their own way. Bruce(I mean, who adapts to crazy situations so fast??), Jenn, Clare (because who plans such a morbid plan??) , Marcus (amazing fight !),Stephen and least of all Tara. One mind-screwing story !!
July 31, 2017
Although I thought there was too long spent on background before the action started, I was glad I hung in there! Once the action started there was lots of it, and all the twists and turns made it quite the page-turner. I'd have have scored it more highly if the action had started or at least been referred to earlier. Not so sure the plain sexuality helped, no problem with sex, but I'd have preferred a few more nouns. If I could have scored this a 3.5 I would! If the action had kicked in earlier it would have been a 4.
April 19, 2020
Bought and read “Wretched” looking for the fabulous quote, “Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You can not withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.' ~ Unknown” But alas, it wasn’t there. A great read for some insight into the fantasies of men. I was a little embarrassed when my 17-year-old picked up what I was reading and asked me, “When did you start reading porn?” I thought the psychopathy of the Tara character was especially interesting. Well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 21, 2017
I am still trying to gather my thoughts. I admire a book that makes me think. Even better is a book with a female badass. I don’t know how Bruce gets so enamored so quickly. I do wish the author would talk less about his penis size as it becomes repetitive and annoying. I feel most things were predictable. The fight scenes, and the erotic scenes, were nice.
August 27, 2020
It is well written
But if I have to hear about the hero's penis one more time I'll start laughing. His Dick was a major character in the book.
But if I have to hear about the hero's penis one more time I'll start laughing. His Dick was a major character in the book.
June 3, 2020
Very good book
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews