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Desolation Gulch
Valerie knew fairytales weren't true... at least not the happily-ever-after kind. In her world, nothing ever worked out so neatly. Her life was full of dark secrets and deep hurt. Until she met Fallon. Somehow he could read her hidden chapters and he knew exactly how to turn her life into a dream.
But Fallon isn't everything he seems; he has dark secrets of his own.
When Valerie finds herself in a dangerous situation and must flee, it's a daunting task. With nowhere to run and no way to guarantee Fallon won't follow, Valerie finds herself stranded in a small Central Oregon town at the mercy of a handsome stranger. He promises to help her, but can anyone save her from desolation?
But Fallon isn't everything he seems; he has dark secrets of his own.
When Valerie finds herself in a dangerous situation and must flee, it's a daunting task. With nowhere to run and no way to guarantee Fallon won't follow, Valerie finds herself stranded in a small Central Oregon town at the mercy of a handsome stranger. He promises to help her, but can anyone save her from desolation?
304 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2017
1 person is currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Jesinghaus
10 books187 followersBorn and raised in Southern Oregon, Jessica has been writing since she was ten years old. She attended Willamette University with the intention of going to law school and becoming a criminal prosecutor. But, as is the way with life, plans changed. Since 2002 she has worked in the medical field and absolutely loves the challenges and positive impact she can have on the lives of others. She loves the outdoors and considers herself blessed to call Oregon her home.
Following the birth of her second child, she committed herself to writing her first novel. Unfortunately for her, story ideas rarely present themselves one at a time and she often has two (if not three) manuscripts in progress at once. When she's not writing her own material, she enjoys reading a wide variety of books, many of them aloud to her husband and two children.
Follow Jessica on Facebook and Instagram @jessjesinghaus or her blog at https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com
Following the birth of her second child, she committed herself to writing her first novel. Unfortunately for her, story ideas rarely present themselves one at a time and she often has two (if not three) manuscripts in progress at once. When she's not writing her own material, she enjoys reading a wide variety of books, many of them aloud to her husband and two children.
Follow Jessica on Facebook and Instagram @jessjesinghaus or her blog at https://jessjesinghaus.wordpress.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 11, 2018
4 solid stars!!
The story starts off with a major bang . . . I LOVED how the prologue hung over the first half of the story like a specter. The author did a fantastic job of portraying a sweet love story between Valerie and Fallon . . . all the while keeping me on pins and needles as I waited for the ax to drop. It was superbly done.
I can't think of a way to tell you about the plot without spoiling it, so I won't. It's better to go in blind and experience all the crazy twists and turns for yourself. I will say that Valerie was a very well-written heroine; her vulnerabilities made the story believable and I found myself behind her 100%.
If you like a read that keeps you on your toes, you're in for a treat - just consider yourself warned, lol.
I didn't believe in fairy tales and the ones I did put stock in always ended badly.Wow! Desolation Gulch took me on quite the ride. It was part paranormal, part romance, part mystery and ALL creepy!
The story starts off with a major bang . . . I LOVED how the prologue hung over the first half of the story like a specter. The author did a fantastic job of portraying a sweet love story between Valerie and Fallon . . . all the while keeping me on pins and needles as I waited for the ax to drop. It was superbly done.
I can't think of a way to tell you about the plot without spoiling it, so I won't. It's better to go in blind and experience all the crazy twists and turns for yourself. I will say that Valerie was a very well-written heroine; her vulnerabilities made the story believable and I found myself behind her 100%.
If you like a read that keeps you on your toes, you're in for a treat - just consider yourself warned, lol.
April 20, 2017
Suspenseful Thriller
This is a disturbing thriller told exceptionally well. I was completely engrossed in the story of Valerie and Fallon. She escaped a terrible childhood after enduring years of sexual abuse from her uncle. Valerie has started a new life in Las Vegas remaining isolated from any close relationships when she meets a handsome and charming man who sweeps her off her feet. He seems to know exactly what she wants and needs. In fact he actually seems to read her mind.
Fallon seems to have his own sordid past, which he shares in bits and pieces. Though I felt Valerie was rushing headlong to begin with, I started to warm up to Fallon as the story progressed, but then he started showing more of his dark side. Needless to say, Valerie has to figure out a way to get away from him which isn't going to be easy because not only can he read her thoughts but he can also find her through their bond.
This story is filled with twists and turns you never see coming. It's full of danger and suspense but also a bit of romance. Highly recommended.
This is a disturbing thriller told exceptionally well. I was completely engrossed in the story of Valerie and Fallon. She escaped a terrible childhood after enduring years of sexual abuse from her uncle. Valerie has started a new life in Las Vegas remaining isolated from any close relationships when she meets a handsome and charming man who sweeps her off her feet. He seems to know exactly what she wants and needs. In fact he actually seems to read her mind.
Fallon seems to have his own sordid past, which he shares in bits and pieces. Though I felt Valerie was rushing headlong to begin with, I started to warm up to Fallon as the story progressed, but then he started showing more of his dark side. Needless to say, Valerie has to figure out a way to get away from him which isn't going to be easy because not only can he read her thoughts but he can also find her through their bond.
This story is filled with twists and turns you never see coming. It's full of danger and suspense but also a bit of romance. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2018
***EDITORIAL REVIEW: Reviewed By Edith Wairimu for Readers’ Favorite***
As she looked up from her book, Valerie could not keep herself from staring. His voice, which had led her to look up, was just the start. From his well-built frame, his height, his dark eyes to his dark brown hair, Valerie scrutinised the stranger with great interest. She fought with herself to hide her attraction, but had little success. With time, both Fallon and Valerie became inseparable, giving each other solace from their painful pasts. Still, Valerie knew it was too good to be true. Fallon was too good for her and, unlike the beautiful fairy tales she was fond of, she knew sooner or later all the beauty in their relationship would come crashing down. Desolation Gulch by Jessica Jesinghaus tells Valerie and Fallon’s story.
There is no doubt that Jessica Jesinghaus is a great author. She creates an enthralling tale filled with suspense right from the beginning. From the prologue, I couldn’t wait to start reading Desolation Gulch and when I did, I was pulled right into the plot. Every page heightened my interest and deepened my excitement. The book is well organised with Jesinghaus giving enough description to accompany the action and dialogue contained in Desolation Gulch. It also contains characters that are well-defined and who have flaws, which makes the story realistic and even more captivating. Desolation Gulch by Jessica Jesinghaus is definitely a wonderfully crafted story, a book with incredible intensity and an impassioned story line.
As she looked up from her book, Valerie could not keep herself from staring. His voice, which had led her to look up, was just the start. From his well-built frame, his height, his dark eyes to his dark brown hair, Valerie scrutinised the stranger with great interest. She fought with herself to hide her attraction, but had little success. With time, both Fallon and Valerie became inseparable, giving each other solace from their painful pasts. Still, Valerie knew it was too good to be true. Fallon was too good for her and, unlike the beautiful fairy tales she was fond of, she knew sooner or later all the beauty in their relationship would come crashing down. Desolation Gulch by Jessica Jesinghaus tells Valerie and Fallon’s story.
There is no doubt that Jessica Jesinghaus is a great author. She creates an enthralling tale filled with suspense right from the beginning. From the prologue, I couldn’t wait to start reading Desolation Gulch and when I did, I was pulled right into the plot. Every page heightened my interest and deepened my excitement. The book is well organised with Jesinghaus giving enough description to accompany the action and dialogue contained in Desolation Gulch. It also contains characters that are well-defined and who have flaws, which makes the story realistic and even more captivating. Desolation Gulch by Jessica Jesinghaus is definitely a wonderfully crafted story, a book with incredible intensity and an impassioned story line.
May 15, 2019
The author was kind enough to give me a copy of this through For Love of a Book's Read & Review :]
While I'm not giving any actual spoilers, it seems kind of spoiler adjacent so I'm hiding my entire review under spoilers. The author writes well and did a really good job writing and painting Fallon as a villain. Initially, I wasn't a fan of the instalove between Valerie and Fallon but I came around it after a certain plot line developed that shed light on why that happened.
While I'm not giving any actual spoilers, it seems kind of spoiler adjacent so I'm hiding my entire review under spoilers. The author writes well and did a really good job writing and painting Fallon as a villain. Initially, I wasn't a fan of the instalove between Valerie and Fallon but I came around it after a certain plot line developed that shed light on why that happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2016
Desolation Gulch is a thrilling narrative which kept me gripped through each chapter and kept me returning until the exciting conclusion. Jesinghaus’ style is effective and interesting with clever use of internal dialogue. This complemented key plot elements and built more suspense through the story. I also found her style sufficient to paint the pictures of the characters and settings without getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
In regards to the main story, I was intrigued at the actions of the characters, only to discover the motivations later in the novel and complete the ‘aha’ moment. The suspense is built carefully and methodically through and pulled me deeper and deeper into the plight of the characters. I applaud the author in her setup of the story which kept me interested and guessing, with enough hints to arouse my suspicions. Her use of Fallon was excellent and I was overjoyed with the ending as I was rooting for the protagonist, Valerie, all the way.
One area I had some difficulty with was how our main character came into contact with Nate. I felt the author would reveal an underlying explanation but did not receive one. Perhaps she was being guided in some way, due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the character.The lack of connection was unfortunate and left me only with a nagging feeling of a convenient plot point. This was my only nagging point and in no way did it detract from the action and character development sequences. The reader will still enjoy the book if they are as nitpicky as I am.
Overall, I highly recommend the novel to those who enjoy a good romantic twist as well as some interesting paranormal elements that I quite enjoyed. I received a free copy of the novel for a fair non-reciprocal review.
In regards to the main story, I was intrigued at the actions of the characters, only to discover the motivations later in the novel and complete the ‘aha’ moment. The suspense is built carefully and methodically through and pulled me deeper and deeper into the plight of the characters. I applaud the author in her setup of the story which kept me interested and guessing, with enough hints to arouse my suspicions. Her use of Fallon was excellent and I was overjoyed with the ending as I was rooting for the protagonist, Valerie, all the way.
One area I had some difficulty with was how our main character came into contact with Nate. I felt the author would reveal an underlying explanation but did not receive one. Perhaps she was being guided in some way, due to the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the character.The lack of connection was unfortunate and left me only with a nagging feeling of a convenient plot point. This was my only nagging point and in no way did it detract from the action and character development sequences. The reader will still enjoy the book if they are as nitpicky as I am.
Overall, I highly recommend the novel to those who enjoy a good romantic twist as well as some interesting paranormal elements that I quite enjoyed. I received a free copy of the novel for a fair non-reciprocal review.
December 25, 2025
Holy shit. That preface hooked me immediately and never loosened its grip. What starts out feeling like an almost fairy-tale romance slowly turns unsettling, the kind where you catch yourself holding your breath without realizing it. The tension is constant—quiet, creeping, and relentless—because even in the softer moments, you know something isn’t right.
Watching Valerie fall for Fallon is uncomfortable in the best way. He’s charming, attentive, and too perfect. Valarie dives in head first. The mind-reading element is invasive and deeply unsettling, and it adds this layer of psychological control that made my skin crawl. Valerie feels raw and painfully real, and her reactions made sense even when I wanted to shake her and yell at the page.
The pacing lets the dread build instead of rushing it, peeling everything back layer by layer until the story fully reveals the truth. By the time it reaches the later twists, I was stressed, invested, and completely locked in. Creepy, emotional, and impossible to put down, this book messes with your head in the best way. This is a must read. Do not pass it up.
Watching Valerie fall for Fallon is uncomfortable in the best way. He’s charming, attentive, and too perfect. Valarie dives in head first. The mind-reading element is invasive and deeply unsettling, and it adds this layer of psychological control that made my skin crawl. Valerie feels raw and painfully real, and her reactions made sense even when I wanted to shake her and yell at the page.
The pacing lets the dread build instead of rushing it, peeling everything back layer by layer until the story fully reveals the truth. By the time it reaches the later twists, I was stressed, invested, and completely locked in. Creepy, emotional, and impossible to put down, this book messes with your head in the best way. This is a must read. Do not pass it up.
August 28, 2018
Edge of your seat suspense…
Desolation Gulch is one of those books where, just when you think you know exactly what direction you’re going, the author spins you around like a kid playing pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, forcing you in a new direction with its own twists and turns. The characters are compelling, making you love them, hate them, distrust them, and occasionally want to smack them upside the head, but always, always, the drive you through the story as we seek out an ending you never see coming.
This fast-paced story has just a hint of paranormal (which I love!) and a whole lot of WTF. If you are in the market for a high-stakes thriller, I highly recommend you pick up Desolation Gulch.
Desolation Gulch is one of those books where, just when you think you know exactly what direction you’re going, the author spins you around like a kid playing pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, forcing you in a new direction with its own twists and turns. The characters are compelling, making you love them, hate them, distrust them, and occasionally want to smack them upside the head, but always, always, the drive you through the story as we seek out an ending you never see coming.
This fast-paced story has just a hint of paranormal (which I love!) and a whole lot of WTF. If you are in the market for a high-stakes thriller, I highly recommend you pick up Desolation Gulch.
August 6, 2025
I thought this was gonna be a romance when I started it, but it quickly turned into something darker. Which btw I ended up enjoying way more than expected!
Overall I liked the main character (Valerie), even though i felt she made some questionable choices. But hey, people in real life do that too, so who am I to judge !
The author’s writing style is clean and flows well, so I didn’t struggle at all with the language.
My only reserve: I do wish we learned more about Fallon himself, maybe he deserves his own book !
Overall I liked the main character (Valerie), even though i felt she made some questionable choices. But hey, people in real life do that too, so who am I to judge !
The author’s writing style is clean and flows well, so I didn’t struggle at all with the language.
My only reserve: I do wish we learned more about Fallon himself, maybe he deserves his own book !
January 30, 2026
A suspenseful psychological story that feels like a Hollywood thriller with a slight paranormal edge. The plot keeps you guessing, and the tension builds nicely throughout. While the middle section feels a bit lengthy, the emotional struggle of Valerie is portrayed beautifully and feels very real. An engaging read that balances suspense, psychology, and atmosphere well.
November 7, 2016
An eerie story of mind control, evil, and courage. Valerie is leading a stable yet boring life when mysterious, irresistible Fallon enters the bookstore where she works. She is quickly enthralled by his charms and uncanny ability to know her needs, and dazzled by his wealth and sophistication. Soon she is living in his house, letting go of her job and apartment that provided security from an unstable past. The specter of childhood abuse haunts her, and he seems to share a similar wounded past. His rapid and unpredictable mood swings start clouding her newfound bliss, and doubts evolve into fear as Valerie is drawn deeper into Fallon's dangerous plans to enact righteous assassinations, though his real motives are unclear. The story's mood becomes increasingly ominous, as Valerie realizes she must escape his grasp to save her life. She orchestrates a daring escape but knows Fallon will not be far behind, given his ability to enter and read her mind. Valerie's desperate flight brings her to Desolation Gulch wilderness, close encounters with disaster, unlikely allies, and a nail-biting ending full of surprises. A gripping story told first person, with some repetitiousness, as the protagonist tearfully, fearfully, and courageously navigates through dilemmas.
February 4, 2018
This was a solid read as far as thrillers go. The action is non stop and it's a fast paced story, but perhaps I would have liked it to have slowed down a bit at the ending.
Fallon's assistant, Stacy, tells Valerie she's never seen him like that with another woman and he acts like he's desperately in love with her throughout the first part of the book. After he shows up at the end and we start to hear his motivations, I'm not quite sure why he targeted Valerie and if all those feelings that were shown at the beginning were some sort of farce. I also would have liked to have known exactly WHAT Fallon was that he can do these things.
Nate, who is the polar opposite of Fallon, makes a good hero. It's almost a little too convenient that Valerie ends up in his cabin, but it works and closes the story up nicely. There were several big twists once Nate enters the plot that I didn't see coming.
It was an enjoyable read. A thriller with paranormal aspects. I had some questions when I was done, but perhaps that's just me
Fallon's assistant, Stacy, tells Valerie she's never seen him like that with another woman and he acts like he's desperately in love with her throughout the first part of the book. After he shows up at the end and we start to hear his motivations, I'm not quite sure why he targeted Valerie and if all those feelings that were shown at the beginning were some sort of farce. I also would have liked to have known exactly WHAT Fallon was that he can do these things.
Nate, who is the polar opposite of Fallon, makes a good hero. It's almost a little too convenient that Valerie ends up in his cabin, but it works and closes the story up nicely. There were several big twists once Nate enters the plot that I didn't see coming.
It was an enjoyable read. A thriller with paranormal aspects. I had some questions when I was done, but perhaps that's just me
April 30, 2017
Well it was a free book
Not all that bad but I won't go looking for another. Never really felt any depth in the characters and it stretched believability even for a fantasy reader.
Not all that bad but I won't go looking for another. Never really felt any depth in the characters and it stretched believability even for a fantasy reader.
December 7, 2025
In the beginning, Valerie was swept off her feet by Fallon, who just seemed too perfect. In the long and slow read that followed, we learn that Fallon was a mind reader and could see Valerie’s tormented past. Before long, Valerie had gotten into an intimate relationship, completely moved in with him, and worked less at her job. Not long after, we see the crazy, unstable side of the perfect prince. At first, you kind of fall for his excuses and you kind of feel bad for him…until he keeps on doing it and Valerie sees a ruthless killer. Supposedly, he was doing vigilante justice, but it scared Valerie, so she ran to escape him. But with him tracking her mind, how long would it be ‘til he finds her?
Story, for the most part, was well-versed, deep, and powerful. The read was nice, but it was very long. It should’ve moved faster for me to get more into it. Yes, it does pick up with Valerie escapes and is rescued by Nate in this desolate town, but then it slows down again going through all the trivialities. You have to get through huge chunks of superfluous text to get to something concrete. Evidently, Nate had a special talent, too. Even though the read was becoming too long and daunting at this point, I was still kind of curious to see how this would all end. The ending was really the best part because all secrets were revealed, but it was pretty mild at best. This started off well enough, but then it started losing me with the long narratives. It was decent though. A fairly nice read.
Story, for the most part, was well-versed, deep, and powerful. The read was nice, but it was very long. It should’ve moved faster for me to get more into it. Yes, it does pick up with Valerie escapes and is rescued by Nate in this desolate town, but then it slows down again going through all the trivialities. You have to get through huge chunks of superfluous text to get to something concrete. Evidently, Nate had a special talent, too. Even though the read was becoming too long and daunting at this point, I was still kind of curious to see how this would all end. The ending was really the best part because all secrets were revealed, but it was pretty mild at best. This started off well enough, but then it started losing me with the long narratives. It was decent though. A fairly nice read.
July 14, 2017
*TRIGGER WARNING* This book touches on the subject of child sex abuse. But it is done sensitively.
This book is really nicely written. It feels as if you're wrapped up in a blanket as you're taken through some horrific ordeals.
Valerie, a CSA survivor encounters a dreamy man. Rich, suave, good looking, and sympathises with her. He offers her a safe haven at long last...almost too good to be true.
Immediately my narcissist alarm bells started rining, but I continued to read, and I'm glad I did.
Turbulent times, telepathy, trauma.
Exciting read I didn't want to put down.
This book is really nicely written. It feels as if you're wrapped up in a blanket as you're taken through some horrific ordeals.
Valerie, a CSA survivor encounters a dreamy man. Rich, suave, good looking, and sympathises with her. He offers her a safe haven at long last...almost too good to be true.
Immediately my narcissist alarm bells started rining, but I continued to read, and I'm glad I did.
Turbulent times, telepathy, trauma.
Exciting read I didn't want to put down.
October 12, 2025
I was expecting a romance with a bit of thriller thrown in, but it's more the other way around. Reasonably well-written, though over the top in places, this story is pretty well proofed and edited. The plot is a roller coaster ride and fun, if you don't mind a book that gets scary and dark at times--not horror, not lurid, just dark. It's a good escapist book. The reader will easily become immersed in the problems of the characters and leave real life behind. Recommended for readers of romance and thrillers with a female lead
January 22, 2026
This is a fast-paced, edge-of-seat thriller. I really enjoyed the twists and turns; I was guessing my brains out.
Jessica Jesinghaus sensitively deals with heavy subjects, including child sexual abuse and the dynamics of control within an abusive relationship.
The suspense builds as Valerie wonders if her protector can truly save her. You feel drawn into the emotional and dangerous journey.
Valerie and Fallon were exceptionally developed and I felt the connection with their stakes and emotions.
Jessica Jesinghaus sensitively deals with heavy subjects, including child sexual abuse and the dynamics of control within an abusive relationship.
The suspense builds as Valerie wonders if her protector can truly save her. You feel drawn into the emotional and dangerous journey.
Valerie and Fallon were exceptionally developed and I felt the connection with their stakes and emotions.
February 14, 2026
All Val wanted was to find love. She flirts with a handsome man who turns out to be able to read her mind which then he uses that skill to manipulate her and make her life miserable. I felt so sad for her, and even when she escapes thats situation I kept waiting for the same thing to happen again.
I made me think about the people we meet in this world. Some people want to use you, and some genuinely love you...but it seems the first group are more common. Jesinghaus did a great job of showing up how those two types of people function and honestly its scary but feels accurate.
I made me think about the people we meet in this world. Some people want to use you, and some genuinely love you...but it seems the first group are more common. Jesinghaus did a great job of showing up how those two types of people function and honestly its scary but feels accurate.
September 15, 2025
This book is a gripping thriller with lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. The story of Valerie and Fallon is dark, emotional, and full of suspense. It deals with some heavy subjects but is written in a sensitive way. The mix of trauma, danger, and a touch of the paranormal makes it really engaging. At times I felt Valerie trusted too quickly, but overall the book was exciting and hard to put down.
November 4, 2025
Jessica Jesinghaus’s Desolation Gulch is a novel that skillfully blends suspense, romance, and subtle paranormal elements. The story revolves around Valerie, who has endured past traumas, and the mysterious, charismatic Fallon; the events create a constant sense of tension and are filled with unexpected developments. Jesinghaus’s fluid and detailed storytelling provides an enjoyable reading experience. I believe Desolation Gulch will be appreciated by fans of the genre.
August 21, 2025
Desolation Gulch is a gripping romantic suspense filled with secrets, danger, and hope. Valerie’s escape, Fallon’s hidden past, and the small-town mystery kept me hooked till the end. Perfect for readers who love love stories with a thrilling edge.
October 3, 2025
It’s a gripping read for those who enjoy stories of love forged in darkness, with characters who feel raw, vulnerable, and achingly human.
October 17, 2016
From reading the very first paragraphs of this book, I felt a creepiness hanging around that told me this was going to be a different kind of story, and I wasn't disappointed. The dread of suspecting what was coming, kept my attention riveted as the story unfolded. The characters inspired pretty strong emotions in me - and they weren't all good. The description of the darkness inside one of them was well written and made it easy to grasp his dislikeability.
This is a story with psychological intrigue and being the third book I've read by this author, once again I was captured by the use of descriptive language to invoke feelings about the characters and their actions. This is a great read. There is nothing too adult in it (sex scenes are mild and non-descriptive) and there is no graphic violence in the physical conflict.
It is a story that reminds how easily and horrible it can be to let someone take control of our thoughts and our feelings. Great stuff!
This is a story with psychological intrigue and being the third book I've read by this author, once again I was captured by the use of descriptive language to invoke feelings about the characters and their actions. This is a great read. There is nothing too adult in it (sex scenes are mild and non-descriptive) and there is no graphic violence in the physical conflict.
It is a story that reminds how easily and horrible it can be to let someone take control of our thoughts and our feelings. Great stuff!
April 25, 2017
Fabulous writer. Really enjoyed this story! Recommend if you like a little bit of paranormal in your romance!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews