Out of the madness came something extraordinary. But not without a price.
An innocent crush Turned into a rush When he gave me the attention I craved His touch became vile Like a turn of the dial The path down the rabbit hole he paved
Carrick came along Told me I belonged In this world to be cherished and loved When life spun out of control It crushed my soul My fate written in the stars above
Joz resides in Alberta, Canada, with her husband, three children and fur baby. When she’s not cheering on her kids in swimming, hockey and baseball, you’ll find her binge-watching Sons Of Anarchy, Yellowstone and Netflix documentaries. When the mood strikes to write her fabulous masterpieces, the music is loud, and the thoughts are plenty.
This is my first Joz Maxel book, and what a wonderful surprise!! It was a little different than I expected, but really good!!
Keely had a traumatic experience at a young age that sent her spiraling down the rabbit hole. She got into drugs, drinking and sexually promiscuous. She was finally trying to calm down her lifestyle, working at a new job, when she met Carrick. He was taken by her immediately and tried asking her out. Problem was Keely didn’t do relationships. Carrick doesn’t give up that easy though.
The story of Carrick and Keely is so bittersweet. He is so sweet and good to Keely. Not that they don’t go through hard times, but Carrick doesn’t give up easily. I loved him. He was the best!
"You are everything to me. When you hurt, I hurt. When you're happy, I'm happy. When you feel alone in this, I'm right by your side for all of it. You will never feel pain like that again when you're with me."
This is such a great romance. It’s angsty in a way. But it’s really heartwarming too. I highly recommend it if you love romance. 5 Feel Good Stars!!!
This book had me from the beginning, Carrick and Keely are fantastic characters!! Keely's struggle really got to me because she's made some bad decisions in her life based on an experience when she was young. I really felt connected to her. Joz did a great job of sucking me in and not letting me go!! I will easily add Carrick to my harem, I love men who overlook your past and let you be your true self!!
I have a mixed view about this one. It wasn't bad BUT it wasn't that good..I mean, I was expecting more from the blurb and in that sense I was disappointed but then again, the story by itself wasn't disappointing just it lacked the luster and went along the expected lines and it wasn't a 'rabbit-hole' like I had hoped for. First up - now I know that it's a third book of the inter-related standalone series. This is the first book I read from the author and the series, so for most of the first half I was lost, trying to understand what exactly happened with Keylee. I could get the gist of it from the prologue, but it wasn't enough. Her backstory had a huge role to play in shaping the present story, but it wasn't explored enough for me to completely understand what went down and what made her take up drugs. That's the primary reason I couldn't connect with Kaylee as a character. I knew so little about her and her struggles that I failed to see her growth throughout the book. I am not still sure whether the previous book speaks about her sufferings, if it does then maybe I should have started with that to understand her better. Anyway, moving on, we have Carrick as her love interest. He is good and a likeable character but him falling for Kaylee and falling so deeply in love with her also felt too rushed. I couldn't see the sparkling chemistry between the two. They were nice together, but two dates bringing people so close still seems a little unbelievable. It was good to read chapters from Carrick's POV and also his family dynamics was entertain but other than that there was no such novel and unique aspect as such. It all felt too dry. In that sense, this book is more like a second chance romance. It's not dark spare the occasional mentioning of Kaylee's past which is just talked about and never 'shown' Nala- Kaylee's sister was an interesting secondary character and I would love a story about her. Kaylee was not a very 'dense' character and nothing about her stood out to be except her fierce need to protect her sister from Thomas. Thomas is supposed to be the antagonist here and also the one who has abused Kaylee during her childhood and he barely shows up in 2-3 scenes and hardly says anything! I never got such evil vibes from him because there was depth to his character at all. I felt nothing for him and that dampened the reading experience for me. He is the villain so I should either be wary of him or hate him but in this case - I didn't feel either. He is a wasted character The story was resolved very smoothly and convininetly without any high voltage drama but it left many things unanswered and ending didn't feel satisfactory at all. There was few nice scenes but so many threads were left loose and no proper ending was given to many characters like Thomas and Larry? What happened to them? Was Larry really a bad guy who never liked their mom? Was Thomas still the evil guy at the end? Why he did he pull that 'stunt' and what followed after that? What's with Ian( Carrick's best friend) disliking Kaylee? Did he finally accept her? Changed his views about her? Too many unanswered question that made the overall experience incomplete and lacking. I would go with 3-3.5 stars for this book. The author has a very real and authentic style that I enjoyed but it's the story and characters I had issues with .
When something terrible happens to you at an early age, it has power over you. Something as horrifying as rape can cause your life to spiral right down the rabbit hole. Drugs and alcohol are typically the first addictive solutions to making the pain go away, but then comes the self-loathing, disrespect for your body and possible suicide attempts. Depending on how violent the act was or how long it occurred, it could be a feeling of drowning without being in water. Women are supposed to love their bodies and respect themselves, but when that is taken away from them by force—what is left? Most of the time—you’ll find the trust issues, broken pieces and a whole lot of self-doubt about why a man would find you attractive. But, this story is meant to be uplifting. This story that the author tells is about a love that can move past the damage. A love that can move past the horror and resentment to the little girl beneath that weight. A love that has its rollercoaster moments, but will leave readers wanting more from Carrick and Keely.
Keely is your typical woman. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. She is beautiful and knows how to use it to her advantage. The only thing that Keely doesn’t have is trust. That was lost a long time ago when her step-brother forced himself on her and then tried to do the same to her younger sister, Nala. Yeah, she does drugs and drinks alcohol, but doesn’t let any man get close enough to what really matters—the heart that beats in her chest. Someone would really have to make the earth move beneath her feet to travel that far and obtain the almost impossible. When Carrick starts to chip away those pieces, she feels fear. Fear of not knowing what comes next. Fear of being hurt or used by another man. Fear of learning to love someone unconditionally. The secrets that she harbors are a real burden on her shoulders and when the relationship begins to get serious—can she keep up or will those secrets haunt her for the rest of her life?
Maxel has an interesting story, filled with a lot of emotional turmoil and romance. Character development is great and the story-line flows well. This romance takes readers on a rough path to find what love means and how powerful it can be. This story is well-written and flows effortlessly with the character’s lives. If you are a reader of romance, this may be something to pick up the next time you are looking for a book to read. This book is classified as a Romantic Comedy, but most of the scenes are filled with darker topics. The messages that the author conveys to her readers throughout the story are not humorous or satirical, so this may not be the correct category and could cause confusion for someone who is wanting a light and funny read. This is the third installment in the Absolution Series; however, it can be read as a standalone.
A copy of this book was provided to Turning Another Page by IndieSage PR and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating to Down the Rabbit Hole by Joz Maxel.
I won this Book as an ARC and going into I have never read any books by Joz Maxel and this was the, first one I have I have read it was different then anything I have ever that many people can relate too. This book is the third in The Absolution Series and I fell in love with the characters especially Keely and, Carrick when I first got introduced to Keely she went through a very difficult time in her life when was a. The young lady that map out The decisions that would either be good ones or bad ones then, sometimes, went on that she started to do things that got herself in some trouble and then she started. To work with her sister at a restaurant that's when we meet Carrick she thought he was rude because, what he didn't do before he left the restaurant so she decided to give him a piece of her mind that part. Was Funny when the other characters told her who he was she was I could way in complete shock time, went on Carrick kept asking Keely over and over again to go out with him it wed funny to see how he, would ask her out and the ways he would do some it had me laughing very hard when we saw them together and happy but someone would always. Second-hand question themes one if the relationship was real or if they could ever be happy because of, what happened some many years ago and then we saw yet another happy moment turned. A heartbreaking moment on both Keely’s side And on Carrick’s of how they both handled the situation it, was hard to read that I haven't personally been through any of this especially this part but have seen. Several people go through that and it's hard to watch them go from happy to sad within minutes or, seconds Keely decided that very moment she wanted and needed herself to change so she decided to take. Her life back from that difficult time so it wouldn't define her life or her at all Carrick wasn't, really happy about it but I believe he was okay with or because Keely was going to get the help she wanted. And for that, he is happy the ending was amazing especially when Keely and Carrick have an argument, over who or what the gender was I laughed very hard at that and if I'm correct he loses that argument lol. You did an amazing job on this book Joz Maxwel I can't wait to read the others books in the series and, any books you have written as well I hope you have a blessed career.
Down The Rabbit Hole by Joz Maxel is Keely Mulburn’s story. She was introduced to us in book 2 (Under the Rising Sun). Down The Rabbit Hole can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed reading this one, and you will too!
Keely, has been through quite a bit in her young life. When she was sixteen she suffered a traumatic life altering experience. Setting up a chain of events that lead her to make some very poor choices. Keely puts on a front she hides her true self from others. She doesn’t want her past to come out, but the inevitable is bound to happen...right? Will she survive or continue to fall even further down the rabbit hole?
Carrick, he’s the fun loving, charismatic guy, who’s also very persistent. He’s constantly doing everything he can to get Keely to go out with him. Carrick is determined to break down her walls, will he succeed? I just loved him. Is Carrick the one who can help Keely heal? Can Keely hold on to a guy like Carrick......or will her past push him away? You’ll have to read it and find out for yourself.
This story had me from the prologue. I have followed this author from her first book and each story gets better.
Keely has been spiraling for years. A horrific act left her seeking out drugs, alcohol and men to lose herself.
Carrick is a good time guy. He loves a great party and a hot girl, nothing permanent.
Keely just got a waitressing job at the same place where Carrick bartends. He’s drawn to her immediately but she’s just not interested...until one night with his over-the-top gesture, he finally wins her over.
These two have a connection and it’s more than just physical. For the first time ever, they both feel things they never expected. Keely’s battling her demons from the past and Carrick is the man to stand by her.
Keely was a mess, with good reason. But she was also incredibly strong and resilient. This is her story of taking control of her life and moving forward to live her best life with her great love.
I loved, loved, loved this book!! Finally it's Keely's story!! It has felt like a life time waiting for this book and boy was it worth the wait (it wasn't really that long of a wait but I've wanted this story since meeting her in book 2) Joz most certainly didn't disappoint with Down the Rabbit Hole! When we first meet Keely it's obvious she's not as free spirited as she would like people to believe it's a mask she hides behind to keep her reality at bay but sooner or later everyone has to face their demons but can Keely face them and survive? With the charming, fun loving and persistent Carrick chasing her down she just might have found an angel amongst those demons but can she hold onto that kind of guy with a past she herself is to afraid to face .....read to find out it's so worth it!!
Keely from the beginning drew me in. She had a traumatic thing happen to her, and she went through life in a daze, high on drugs, just masking her feelings down. She meets Carrick who pursues her relentlessly, and one day, which was pretty sweet, she accepts his date invite.
Carrick falls quickly for her and Keely knows he's not the typical guy she sees. She could see herself falling for him.
There are alot of things I wasn't expecting in the story. I didn't read the first 2 books in this series, so I wasn't anticipating the drugs, self inducing, loathing. Its fine, I just wasn't expecting. It fell into place in my mind of why she went through years like that. There is a bigger message in this story than just romance, I'm giving you a trigger warning. I liked the story, the ending was super sweet and I could picture it all.
Down The Rabbit Hole is my favourite of the series. It was funny, angsty and touching. It covers some sensitive issues that people may be sensitive to, but I loved how the book book dealt with it.
I loved the main characters of the story. Carrick and Keely's story touched me, and it was so awesome to see more into Keely's life. I wanted to know more about Keely's life after meeting her in the second novel of the series - and her story was so bittersweet.
Carrick was totally awesome! He was a sweet but flawed character, and he was perfect for Keely. I loved the banter between the himself and Keely, and I loved the relationship between them. It was nice seeing Keely being treated right for once.
Down The Rabbit Hole is a read that's not faint of the heart, but it's a worthwhile read that definitely tugs at your heart strings.
This was my first read from Joz, however I felt like I could read this as a standalone without trouble. That being said, I will definitely be going back to read the others in this series. I really enjoyed reading about these characters. I felt the story was real and it definitely touched my heart with so many different emotions. It was completely different from what I expected after reading the blurb. I don't know why I felt that way, but it definitely read different then what I thought I would be getting into. This was not bad though, just unexpected and I generally like the unexpected when it comes to reading. Overall, I really thought this book was sweet and I liked that it was more than a regular romance and I can't wait to read more from this author.
I absolutely loved loved Keely & Carrick and this story was so smooth it flowed from one word into the next that it was hard to put down. This is my 2nd book to read by Joz and once again she delivers with another 5 star story. Keely had made some bad decisions based off what had happened to her when she was younger one's that she was still struggling with then she meets Carrick & you couldn't help but fall in love with him and for him to not hold her past against her like so many people do made you love him even more. I would definitely recommend picking up this book it was so good and just look at that cover❤️.
This is the third book in this amazing series. Keely is haunted by a horrific event in her life, and turns to drugs and alcohol in order to forget and get through the days. Carrick chips away at her walls, but will Keely allow herself to trust anyone again. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a well written flawless story, which is filled with emotion, angst, secrets, heartbreak and love. I was totally intrigued and hooked throughout this addictive page turner, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author. I highly recommend this authors’ work for all readers! I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy for an honest review!
I was a little confused at first, trying to keep the characters straight because so much was happening, but once you figured out who was with who, OMG! I couldn't put it down. Keely & Carrick made the story. The title of this book is perfect. The story is exactly that. I read the previous two books in this series, but this book drew you into it in a special way . You felt the love, the pain, and all the emotions that every character went through. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Felt like I went "Down The Rabbit Hole" with them. Can't wait for the next book.
The thing I like about Joz Maxel is she's a risk taker, she writes about topics that other authors tend to shy away from. Down The Rabbit Hole is no exception. Keely was running from a life she hates. A horrible step father and step brother, who is a right knob. When Keely finds herself back home, she's faced to deal with the people she hates most. But being home brings her closer to family she loves and cares about. It also leads her to Carrick. Keely isnt looking for love but she finds it when Carrick weaves his way into her life and heart.
Down the Rabbit Hole is a wonderful story about a lady who has had a rough life. She keeps making some very bad choices. She meets a guy that does everything he can to get her to go out with him.
You can read this book as a standalone or read all 3 books in The Absolution Series. I am sure that you will love them as much as I do.
This book could make you cry. They is a few sad parts in the story, It is like falling down and trying to make your way back but it is a long road to make.
I loved this book. I will be the first to admit that I didn't like Keely after book 2, however I was anxious to see what her story would be like. I was not disappointed. It is heartbreaking, but you see how strong she is and why she does the things that she does. From the first page until the last I was absolutely captivated by her and her story. It was beautifully written and the ending was perfect. I hope to see more of her in the future!!
This is one of those books that makes you think about what has shaped you. The character in this book had a traumatic experience when she was young and she allowed it to dictate all her decisions. It’s so easy to let the bad things define us. I loved how this author created her characters and made them so believable. Carrick is the type of man that makes a woman feel worthy of living a beautiful life. Beautiful and well written.
This book had me so confused in the beginning, it went from something horrible happening to Keely and then were waking up in her sister's apartment and we don't know how we got there. Honestly the Blub sounded really good and I thought why not give this book a try and although I was lost by the end of the book I was found and overall it was a good read, it was not like any other books I have read overall I did enjoy it and would read more books from this author.
I received an ARC for my honest review. This is my first story from this author.
Holy cow! What a wild ride! This book was never what I'd have expected and it took my breath away and had my heart racing for the entire ride. You won't be the same after reading this story. It hits hard without showing any mercy.
I was gushing over this cover at first sight. And I NEED this paperback.
I loved this book, thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't put it down. This is a great series and Down The Rabbit Hole didn't let me down. It was well written, had a great storyline and alot of chemistry and emotion.
I loved that Keely got her own book and her HEA. We met the confused Keely in book 2, I was excited to follow her story, really hoping there is more to come.
I was given an ARC for an honest opinion. This book pulled on my heartstrings. Keely has a troubled past but finds true love. Carrick falls head over heels for Keely and their chemistry is spot on but she must deal with her ghosts in order to be able to move on. I would recommend this book, series, and author.
This book was hard to put down. I fell in love with Keely in Under the Rising Sun and couldn't wait to read her book! Joz did an amazing job writing on some tough subjects. I can't say enough about this book!! It's a must read for sure!
Down The Rabbit Hole is an emotional, angst filled ride that you won't want to get off. The intensity this story evokes will overwhelm you while fully capturing your heart. A must read.
Absolutely loved this book! Joz Maxel brings a new depth to her writing with Down the Rabbit Hole. This is definitely a #MustReadOf2018 #OneClick #5Stars