What do you think?
Rate this book
Lying Beneath the Oaks
Molly Todd wakes up in a Vegas parking lot with a headache, a virtual stranger, and a wedding ring. Jobless and broke, she’s left with no other option but to go home with new husband Cooper Middleton to the Lowcountry of South Carolina to straighten out the mess they’ve made. It’s in Molly’s best interest to get an annulment sooner rather than later—before her hosts find out that she’s not the kind of guest anyone wants at their Thanksgiving dinner.
The more Molly gets to know Cooper and his family, the more she wonders if she and Cooper might have a real chance together. She longs to tell him her secret even though she knows the truth might get her kicked straight out into the nearby swamp. While she wavers, Molly’s unusual life experiences allow her to spot the skeletons in the Middleton family closet: ones Cooper’s never suspected, ones that are hidden in plain sight. What Molly discovers will shake Cooper’s foundations—and could threaten both their lives.
The more Molly gets to know Cooper and his family, the more she wonders if she and Cooper might have a real chance together. She longs to tell him her secret even though she knows the truth might get her kicked straight out into the nearby swamp. While she wavers, Molly’s unusual life experiences allow her to spot the skeletons in the Middleton family closet: ones Cooper’s never suspected, ones that are hidden in plain sight. What Molly discovers will shake Cooper’s foundations—and could threaten both their lives.
280 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2019
57 people are currently reading
572 people want to read
About the author
Kristin Wright
5 books244 followersKristin lives in Virginia with her husband, two sons, and two beagles (one silly, one Machiavellian). She's a native of the Detroit area, a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and has practiced law in many fields, including big firm litigation, criminal defense, personal injury, local government, and divorce and custody. She writes before work and behind the wheel of her car in the parking lots of many youth sport practices.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 11, 2018
I was fortunate enough to read an early copy of this debut, and it stayed with me for weeks afterward. The southern setting is rich and vivid, the writing swift and effortless. Molly's backstory kept me enthralled and flipping pages, while her chemistry with Cooper spiced up the nuanced story. The suspense snippets heighten every plot turn. Can't wait until it's in print so I can hold a copy in my hands!
June 11, 2018
This is a truly excellent, well-crafted southern gothic romantic suspense with so much atmosphere and voice. Cooper and Molly have chemistry to spare, but there are secrets threatening their newly-wedded bliss, and the creep factor as those begin to be revealed is off the charts. Mark this as a definite Want to Read.
February 13, 2019
I have received this ARC from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Lying Beneath the Oaks was such a good book. I have no idea why I waited so long to dive into this beautiful mystery book.. but I regret it so much. In it, you will meet Molly and Cooper. Their relationship was completely adorable and shippable. They had amazing chemistry and just made me laugh and smile at times.
Not going to lie, the beginning sucked me in. I love when prologues do it.. but I was just so consumed and wanted to know what the hell happened. Then you dive into the first chapter, where you meet Molly and wham-bam! She wakes up married to a complete stranger.
Now this where you remember the saying, "what happens in vegas, stays in vegas." Or heck, the movie What Happened in Vegas that ha Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. If you don't automatically think of either of those.. then what rock do you live under?
Other than loving the romance part of this book, there's definitely a mysterious and creepiness factor that keeps you on edge. Especially when they meet his family. I was constantly waiting for something to happen while also trying to figure out who was who in the prologue. My constant guessing game sucked ass though because these two had so many freaking secrets. Even when some came out in the open, I had so many trust issues with these characters and myself.
Overall, I loved everything about this. Cooper and Molly are genius characters that kept me on the edge of my seat. I definitely need another book by Kristin stat!
Lying Beneath the Oaks was such a good book. I have no idea why I waited so long to dive into this beautiful mystery book.. but I regret it so much. In it, you will meet Molly and Cooper. Their relationship was completely adorable and shippable. They had amazing chemistry and just made me laugh and smile at times.
Not going to lie, the beginning sucked me in. I love when prologues do it.. but I was just so consumed and wanted to know what the hell happened. Then you dive into the first chapter, where you meet Molly and wham-bam! She wakes up married to a complete stranger.
Now this where you remember the saying, "what happens in vegas, stays in vegas." Or heck, the movie What Happened in Vegas that ha Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz. If you don't automatically think of either of those.. then what rock do you live under?
Other than loving the romance part of this book, there's definitely a mysterious and creepiness factor that keeps you on edge. Especially when they meet his family. I was constantly waiting for something to happen while also trying to figure out who was who in the prologue. My constant guessing game sucked ass though because these two had so many freaking secrets. Even when some came out in the open, I had so many trust issues with these characters and myself.
Overall, I loved everything about this. Cooper and Molly are genius characters that kept me on the edge of my seat. I definitely need another book by Kristin stat!
June 11, 2018
As a SC girl, this book made me homesick for the lowcountry. The setting is atmospheric and enchanting, the character relationships are full of conflict and sizzle, and the mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I read it in one sitting. This is an author to keep an eye on. Gorgeous, smart writing that’s as swoony as the moss-draped oaks.
June 11, 2018
This book is utterly captivating, from the picturesque southern setting to Molly and Cooper’s relationship, which is as hot and heavy as the humidity. What Molly uncovers about Cooper’s family sets up edge-of-your seat moments that make this a truly amazing modern southern gothic that sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
July 9, 2019
3.5 stars!
This book definitely exceeded my expectations, I was really excited to read it after reading the blurb and surely, Lying Beneath the Oaks did not disappoint. It was atmospheric, thrilling, whimsical and diabolical. Everything that I could have asked for.
Lying Beneath the Oaks follows the story of Molly Todd, who wakes up after a wild and drunken night in Vegas and founds herself married to Cooper Middleton, a guy she met only three days ago. Molly is jobless and broke, therefore, when Cooper asks her to join him in visiting his hometown in South Carolina, while they get through their annulment, Molly sees it as a moment of relief from her already messed up life.
Once there, Molly finds herself in a bit of a muddle, you see, Molly, is hiding a very big secret about her identity and it doesn't help that she is completely charmed by Cooper and has also discovered some things about the Middleton family, which if out, will destroy everything that Cooper holds dear. What will Molly do?
This book reads more like a domestic thriller than a psychological one but I loved it nonetheless, the setting was gorgeous with the perfect amount of uncomfortable and creepy. I was hooked from beginning until the end despite the certain predictability of the general story line. However, the best thing about this books was it's characters. I rooted so hard for Molly and Cooper.
Heck! I was so invested in all of the characters arcs. I loved Molly's character so much, it broke my heart to read about everything that she had to go through in the past and on that note, I also think, that the author did a brilliant job in her portrayal of troubled teens and the predicaments of children, who comes from abused families. I loved how the relationship between Molly and Cooper progressed and the ups and down they had to go through. It only made their relationship strong and more realistic. I also loved Caroline and Aurelia's character and loved the relationship that existed between Cooper and his sister as well as little Mia.
My only complaint is that villain of the story was very obvious since the beginning of the book and I would have really loved to read some more about his motivations, other than that, I think it's quite an impressive debut on the author's part, what with intense family drama, buried secrets and an ultimate showdown. I can't wait to see, what Kristin does next.
ARC received from NetGalley, in exchange of my honest opinion.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
This book definitely exceeded my expectations, I was really excited to read it after reading the blurb and surely, Lying Beneath the Oaks did not disappoint. It was atmospheric, thrilling, whimsical and diabolical. Everything that I could have asked for.
Lying Beneath the Oaks follows the story of Molly Todd, who wakes up after a wild and drunken night in Vegas and founds herself married to Cooper Middleton, a guy she met only three days ago. Molly is jobless and broke, therefore, when Cooper asks her to join him in visiting his hometown in South Carolina, while they get through their annulment, Molly sees it as a moment of relief from her already messed up life.
Once there, Molly finds herself in a bit of a muddle, you see, Molly, is hiding a very big secret about her identity and it doesn't help that she is completely charmed by Cooper and has also discovered some things about the Middleton family, which if out, will destroy everything that Cooper holds dear. What will Molly do?
This book reads more like a domestic thriller than a psychological one but I loved it nonetheless, the setting was gorgeous with the perfect amount of uncomfortable and creepy. I was hooked from beginning until the end despite the certain predictability of the general story line. However, the best thing about this books was it's characters. I rooted so hard for Molly and Cooper.
Heck! I was so invested in all of the characters arcs. I loved Molly's character so much, it broke my heart to read about everything that she had to go through in the past and on that note, I also think, that the author did a brilliant job in her portrayal of troubled teens and the predicaments of children, who comes from abused families. I loved how the relationship between Molly and Cooper progressed and the ups and down they had to go through. It only made their relationship strong and more realistic. I also loved Caroline and Aurelia's character and loved the relationship that existed between Cooper and his sister as well as little Mia.
My only complaint is that villain of the story was very obvious since the beginning of the book and I would have really loved to read some more about his motivations, other than that, I think it's quite an impressive debut on the author's part, what with intense family drama, buried secrets and an ultimate showdown. I can't wait to see, what Kristin does next.
ARC received from NetGalley, in exchange of my honest opinion.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 25, 2018
Okay, this book...OMG this book! This book is so many things, but each one of them is freaking glorious!
Ha, sorry, getting carried away! But that's just how much I loved it :D It starts out as a sweet romance with a bit of a mystery. Molly wakes up next to a stranger in Vegas. They apparently got married while drunk, despite knowing each other for only hours. But her now-husband Cooper is a super good guy (and super handsome too with a rockin' bod :P), and insists that she accompany him to his family home in South Carolina to meet his family over the Thanksgiving holiday while they sort their relationship out.
She reluctantly agrees. She's has a difficult past (to say the least...at first you think maybe she had a rough childhood, which she did...but OMG it's so much more than that) and decides why not. He's caring, generous, considerate, respectful, and pretty much the greatest guy she's ever come across. Despite their short history, there's palpable chemistry between them, which means this could turn into something very, very special for the both of them.
Sounds sweet right? It is! Until she meets his family. His sister Caroline is a sweetie pie with an adorable daughter, but Cooper's dad is...strange. There's something off-putting about him. And OMG I felt it too when I was reading the book. The author does such a good job of setting the scene. You know that gut feeling when you meet someone weird and there's something about them you can't put your finger on, but you know it's not right? But you also can't definitively say what it is? Yeah...that's Cooper's dad to a T.
I don't want to give anything away (seriously, you MUST read it!! It's so worth it when you find out what is going on), but it morphs from romance to suspense REALLL quick. There are even a couple of scary/horror elements in it that I absolutely adored b/c I am a sucker for an intense read in a romance. Kristin Wright does an incredible job of keeping with the romance storyline but throwing in suspenseful and thrilling events. You're on the edge of your seat, it's a crazy rollercoaster ride and it is AMAZING! And somehow, some way, she leaves you feeling totally satisfied at the end. Lovers of romance and romantic suspense need to add this book to the top of their list!
Ha, sorry, getting carried away! But that's just how much I loved it :D It starts out as a sweet romance with a bit of a mystery. Molly wakes up next to a stranger in Vegas. They apparently got married while drunk, despite knowing each other for only hours. But her now-husband Cooper is a super good guy (and super handsome too with a rockin' bod :P), and insists that she accompany him to his family home in South Carolina to meet his family over the Thanksgiving holiday while they sort their relationship out.
She reluctantly agrees. She's has a difficult past (to say the least...at first you think maybe she had a rough childhood, which she did...but OMG it's so much more than that) and decides why not. He's caring, generous, considerate, respectful, and pretty much the greatest guy she's ever come across. Despite their short history, there's palpable chemistry between them, which means this could turn into something very, very special for the both of them.
Sounds sweet right? It is! Until she meets his family. His sister Caroline is a sweetie pie with an adorable daughter, but Cooper's dad is...strange. There's something off-putting about him. And OMG I felt it too when I was reading the book. The author does such a good job of setting the scene. You know that gut feeling when you meet someone weird and there's something about them you can't put your finger on, but you know it's not right? But you also can't definitively say what it is? Yeah...that's Cooper's dad to a T.
I don't want to give anything away (seriously, you MUST read it!! It's so worth it when you find out what is going on), but it morphs from romance to suspense REALLL quick. There are even a couple of scary/horror elements in it that I absolutely adored b/c I am a sucker for an intense read in a romance. Kristin Wright does an incredible job of keeping with the romance storyline but throwing in suspenseful and thrilling events. You're on the edge of your seat, it's a crazy rollercoaster ride and it is AMAZING! And somehow, some way, she leaves you feeling totally satisfied at the end. Lovers of romance and romantic suspense need to add this book to the top of their list!
January 18, 2019
3.5-4 STARS!
I really enjoyed this debut by a new to me author.
The blurb caught my attention at the first line, "Molly Todd wakes up in a Vegas parking lot with a headache, a virtual stranger, and a wedding ring."
When she goes home with Cooper Middleton to the Lowcountry of South Carolina and meets his family as his wife, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the underlying feelings they seemed to share, the heated gazes and touches, the yearnings that seemed to say more than what they could say aloud. Yes, they were waiting for an annulment that had to wait the long weekend, forcing them to not consummate their marriage, but I loved the angsty feelings they shared of wanting more.
This coupled with Molly's secret backstory that she has not shared with her husband, his creepy as hell dad, the mystery behind his first wife's disappearance makes for a suspenseful, unputdownable story of intrigue and mystery. The beauty and character of the south shined through making such beautiful imagery that I could imagine it in my mind as I read. I completely fell in love with Miss Aurelia, and the epilogue left a smile on my face imagining the most perfect future. I would most definitely read this author again. Readers looks for more than just a simple romance story should give this one a try.
I really enjoyed this debut by a new to me author.
The blurb caught my attention at the first line, "Molly Todd wakes up in a Vegas parking lot with a headache, a virtual stranger, and a wedding ring."
When she goes home with Cooper Middleton to the Lowcountry of South Carolina and meets his family as his wife, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the underlying feelings they seemed to share, the heated gazes and touches, the yearnings that seemed to say more than what they could say aloud. Yes, they were waiting for an annulment that had to wait the long weekend, forcing them to not consummate their marriage, but I loved the angsty feelings they shared of wanting more.
This coupled with Molly's secret backstory that she has not shared with her husband, his creepy as hell dad, the mystery behind his first wife's disappearance makes for a suspenseful, unputdownable story of intrigue and mystery. The beauty and character of the south shined through making such beautiful imagery that I could imagine it in my mind as I read. I completely fell in love with Miss Aurelia, and the epilogue left a smile on my face imagining the most perfect future. I would most definitely read this author again. Readers looks for more than just a simple romance story should give this one a try.
November 19, 2018
Highly recommended! If you read Lying Beneath the Oaks, begin on a Friday. I made the mistake of starting the book one weeknight and couldn’t stop reading until I finished at 2 a.m. (It made for a very unpleasant Wednesday at work.) The author skillfully weaves twists into the plot, ratcheting up the tension to the point where I literally didn’t want to take a bathroom break.
The spare writing style leaves out the excessive and unnecessary detail which makes many books drag. Still, she includes enough description to paint a vivid picture of the Lowcountry setting. One of my tests to determine a quality book is whether I want to visit the locale, and this one passed with flying colors as I started plotting a trip before reaching the half-way point.
Dialogue is an additional strength. The author writes conversations between characters that ring true, in my view an underrated talent for authors, somehow capturing the voice of a wide variety of individuals and making them jump off the page as real people. I found myself caring about the characters after I finished the book, and wanting to know more about what happened to them. (Maybe a sequel is in the works?)
One minor complaint: I initially found the MC a bit unlikeable because her drunken marriage that starts off the book was so far from the type of choice I would personally make. Many readers probably wouldn’t be bothered by that anyway, but it was a bit of a turnoff for me. However, as I learned more about her background (the details of which I won’t spoil), I realized that it was an understandable choice for her, and I ended up loving her! Also, the chemistry she has with the love interest is so intense that it helps explain her decision.
I won’t go into the plot because spoilers could significantly damage the reader’s enjoyment of the book, but if you like the works of Anne Rivers Siddons or Karen White, you should definitely read Lying Beneath the Oaks.
The spare writing style leaves out the excessive and unnecessary detail which makes many books drag. Still, she includes enough description to paint a vivid picture of the Lowcountry setting. One of my tests to determine a quality book is whether I want to visit the locale, and this one passed with flying colors as I started plotting a trip before reaching the half-way point.
Dialogue is an additional strength. The author writes conversations between characters that ring true, in my view an underrated talent for authors, somehow capturing the voice of a wide variety of individuals and making them jump off the page as real people. I found myself caring about the characters after I finished the book, and wanting to know more about what happened to them. (Maybe a sequel is in the works?)
One minor complaint: I initially found the MC a bit unlikeable because her drunken marriage that starts off the book was so far from the type of choice I would personally make. Many readers probably wouldn’t be bothered by that anyway, but it was a bit of a turnoff for me. However, as I learned more about her background (the details of which I won’t spoil), I realized that it was an understandable choice for her, and I ended up loving her! Also, the chemistry she has with the love interest is so intense that it helps explain her decision.
I won’t go into the plot because spoilers could significantly damage the reader’s enjoyment of the book, but if you like the works of Anne Rivers Siddons or Karen White, you should definitely read Lying Beneath the Oaks.
March 4, 2021
"In-laws. Sweet Baby Jesus. In-laws'll drive you crazy."
Just looking at the cover, it's hard to know what you're really getting in to with this story. I imagined a funny, silly book about 2 people who wake up married in Vegas and try to make a go at it. I mean, waking up married in Vegas, it's a hard sell to try to get me to believe people would try - but the author does a great job of really laying out personalities and reasonings as to why this might happen and it was enough to keep me reading.
However, this isn't the light fluffy read you think it is. It's pretty ominous as soon as the two get "home" that these two are hiding some pretty big secrets. And this family...it's not all it seems on the surface. It was interesting to untangle it all as the MC does, but I don't think it was pretty predictable and easy to see where the story was leading. But it was entertaining and I enjoyed it.
Just looking at the cover, it's hard to know what you're really getting in to with this story. I imagined a funny, silly book about 2 people who wake up married in Vegas and try to make a go at it. I mean, waking up married in Vegas, it's a hard sell to try to get me to believe people would try - but the author does a great job of really laying out personalities and reasonings as to why this might happen and it was enough to keep me reading.
However, this isn't the light fluffy read you think it is. It's pretty ominous as soon as the two get "home" that these two are hiding some pretty big secrets. And this family...it's not all it seems on the surface. It was interesting to untangle it all as the MC does, but I don't think it was pretty predictable and easy to see where the story was leading. But it was entertaining and I enjoyed it.
January 1, 2019
God, this is such a gorgeous book. It really is. From the darkness hinted at through the greenery on the cover to the beautiful writing to the plot that kept me breathlessly turning pages at 4 am. The lush descriptions made me feel like I was walking through Charleston (a place I've never been and was ambivalent about visiting until reading this book). Molly is an excellent, flawed heroine. And unlike some books where hints of a dark past serve up disappointment when the big reveal comes up, Molly's secret past is utterly delicious. I loved finding myself rooting for her.
Cooper is also a delectable specimen. If anything, his one flaw is that he doesn't have any flaws. (Is loving your family TOO much a bad thing? Maybe in this case.) The supporting cast is great, too. Everyone needs someone like Miss Aurelia in their life, and Mia constantly tugged at my heartstrings.
Wright does a great job of slowly building the suspense here, making the reader desperate to find out what happened by the time the big reveal arrives. She leaves just enough breadcrumbs that the ending makes sense without it being too obvious (super obvious plot twists are a big pet peeve for me, so I personally appreciated this).
The only thing I didn't really like is
Overall, this book is highly recommended. If you like serious women's fiction with a hint of suspense, LYING BENEATH THE OAKS is absolutely for you. I can't wait to see what Wright comes up with next. Five breathless stars.
**Free review copy provided by the author.
Cooper is also a delectable specimen. If anything, his one flaw is that he doesn't have any flaws. (Is loving your family TOO much a bad thing? Maybe in this case.) The supporting cast is great, too. Everyone needs someone like Miss Aurelia in their life, and Mia constantly tugged at my heartstrings.
Wright does a great job of slowly building the suspense here, making the reader desperate to find out what happened by the time the big reveal arrives. She leaves just enough breadcrumbs that the ending makes sense without it being too obvious (super obvious plot twists are a big pet peeve for me, so I personally appreciated this).
The only thing I didn't really like is
Overall, this book is highly recommended. If you like serious women's fiction with a hint of suspense, LYING BENEATH THE OAKS is absolutely for you. I can't wait to see what Wright comes up with next. Five breathless stars.
**Free review copy provided by the author.
March 20, 2019
Did not finish. What started out as a pretty descent book just got stupid.
November 6, 2018
From the beginning this book hooked me in and I didn't want to put it down. Lying Beneath the Oaks is a book with both romance and intrigue. The SC Lowcountry setting is beautifully depicted and offered the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery. Really enjoyed the read!
October 1, 2018
Lying Beneath the Oaks is an atmospheric page-turner set in the steamy South. Molly, the main character, has plenty of secrets, but the ones awaiting her at her new husband's home are deep, dark, and twisted. Cooper, her husband, is swoonworthy and sweet and the chemistry between the pair sizzles, making you root for them all the way. This book has all the ingredients for a totally enjoyable read. I received an ARC and this is my honest review!
November 5, 2018
Absolutely enthralling! I felt like I was transported to another world -- one this West Coast girl had no idea even existed! The moss-draped oaks and gothic mansions and Southern charm completely sucked me in. But most importantly, Molly, the book's heroine, stole my heart. The way her past trauma lived in the present was so painfully and beautifully real. Add to that a seriously sizzling romance and a tangle of dark secrets threatening to destroy it, and I was hooked. A must-read!
August 15, 2018
I was fortunate to read an early copy of Lying Beneath the Oaks. The skillful blend of romance, southern gothic, and psychological intrigue kept me reading late into the night. I was absolutely enthralled! A gripping, satisfying read.
June 11, 2018
I was able to read an early version of this book, and trust me, if you like romantic suspense, you're going to love this!
September 28, 2018
I was lucky to read an ARC and I highly recommend it.
Wright’s atmospheric writing weaves a suspenseful novel that proves menace and murder can lurk underneath Southern charm and gentility.
Wright’s atmospheric writing weaves a suspenseful novel that proves menace and murder can lurk underneath Southern charm and gentility.
January 22, 2019
I really liked this one! I didn't love it-too many memories about the south for me-but every word rang true and the author clearly did her homework!
Four stars!
Updated Review:
This book was beautifully crafted, well written, with strong characters, and definitely well researched material. Molly’s character was fascinating, and I loved her story though it definitely had some trigger warnings for child abuse. So, here are the warnings first before I dive into the full review:
Warnings: child abuse, suggested child sexual abuse, suggested child trafficking, attempted murder of both child and adults, suggested rape of adults and child, some swearing, steamy romance bedroom scenes, sexism, light racism (only one character), talks about fires, talks about hurricanes, a few chapters regarding religion/going to church, other
This book, though certainly dark and twisted at times, made me almost long for a trip back to Louisiana or any of the places down south for its rich atmosphere. Of course, having been to the south, those emotions were few and far between. There were also plenty of triggers in the book that made me want to flinch away and hide, but the book tells such a good story that I was mostly able to ignore it.
Molly is a complex, blunt, and strong female character. She’s served time for possibly accidentally killing her mother, and has paid for it for years. There’s lots of interesting (and depressing) history there, but the focus of the story is her waking up married to a complete (handsome) stranger named Cooper, who happens to belong to a wealthy southern family.
It’s a fascinating story, completely with twisted plots that I didn’t see coming, though a lot of it I did notice right off. I loved Aurelia, the town eccentric, who is one of my favorite characters. I loved Mia and the golden retriever and just all of this book shown with creative clever schemes and strong characters so that I couldn’t turn away from it. I read through it in most of a day, and wish that there was more available, and that I could have seen the bad guy getting his due, aside from the tiny snippet of it at the end of the book-that’s my only real complaint, really, is that we didn’t see him getting published enough.
I really liked reading this book, and highly recommend it-especially if you love gothic, southern crime/romance fiction. It’s rich in detail, and you won’t regret reading it, unless you absolutely loathe reading about the south. 4.5/5 stars!
Four stars!
Updated Review:
This book was beautifully crafted, well written, with strong characters, and definitely well researched material. Molly’s character was fascinating, and I loved her story though it definitely had some trigger warnings for child abuse. So, here are the warnings first before I dive into the full review:
Warnings: child abuse, suggested child sexual abuse, suggested child trafficking, attempted murder of both child and adults, suggested rape of adults and child, some swearing, steamy romance bedroom scenes, sexism, light racism (only one character), talks about fires, talks about hurricanes, a few chapters regarding religion/going to church, other
This book, though certainly dark and twisted at times, made me almost long for a trip back to Louisiana or any of the places down south for its rich atmosphere. Of course, having been to the south, those emotions were few and far between. There were also plenty of triggers in the book that made me want to flinch away and hide, but the book tells such a good story that I was mostly able to ignore it.
Molly is a complex, blunt, and strong female character. She’s served time for possibly accidentally killing her mother, and has paid for it for years. There’s lots of interesting (and depressing) history there, but the focus of the story is her waking up married to a complete (handsome) stranger named Cooper, who happens to belong to a wealthy southern family.
It’s a fascinating story, completely with twisted plots that I didn’t see coming, though a lot of it I did notice right off. I loved Aurelia, the town eccentric, who is one of my favorite characters. I loved Mia and the golden retriever and just all of this book shown with creative clever schemes and strong characters so that I couldn’t turn away from it. I read through it in most of a day, and wish that there was more available, and that I could have seen the bad guy getting his due, aside from the tiny snippet of it at the end of the book-that’s my only real complaint, really, is that we didn’t see him getting published enough.
I really liked reading this book, and highly recommend it-especially if you love gothic, southern crime/romance fiction. It’s rich in detail, and you won’t regret reading it, unless you absolutely loathe reading about the south. 4.5/5 stars!
December 9, 2018
Very enjoyable romantic suspense. What happens in Vegas—is definitely not all there is to the story!
Molly wakes up to find herself in a car outside a chapel in Vegas and married to hunky Cooper. Good Lord, What has she done?
Turns out, Molly asks herself that about far more than simply getting married. Also turns out her questioning nature may be the very thing her new husband needs in his life, whether he knows it or not.
When they travel to his home in South Carolina, things turn a bit sinister as Molly encounters those in Cooper’s life who have secrets of their own. Though to Molly’s knowledge, none have greater—or worse—secrets than the one she carries. She needs an annulment before things go too far; before Cooper has to be burdened with her own past. And yet, the attraction is deep. Somehow, despite a lifetime of hardship, Molly may have stumbled onto a keeper. But how can she allow herself to taint him with her past? On the other hand, how can she allow herself to leave without sharing her growing suspicions?
This book is a real Southern Gothic page turner to the end with plenty of twists and turns, like the old oaks themselves. Thankful to have received an arc so I could read in advance and share my honest review. Congratulations Kristin Wright on an excellent debut!
Molly wakes up to find herself in a car outside a chapel in Vegas and married to hunky Cooper. Good Lord, What has she done?
Turns out, Molly asks herself that about far more than simply getting married. Also turns out her questioning nature may be the very thing her new husband needs in his life, whether he knows it or not.
When they travel to his home in South Carolina, things turn a bit sinister as Molly encounters those in Cooper’s life who have secrets of their own. Though to Molly’s knowledge, none have greater—or worse—secrets than the one she carries. She needs an annulment before things go too far; before Cooper has to be burdened with her own past. And yet, the attraction is deep. Somehow, despite a lifetime of hardship, Molly may have stumbled onto a keeper. But how can she allow herself to taint him with her past? On the other hand, how can she allow herself to leave without sharing her growing suspicions?
This book is a real Southern Gothic page turner to the end with plenty of twists and turns, like the old oaks themselves. Thankful to have received an arc so I could read in advance and share my honest review. Congratulations Kristin Wright on an excellent debut!
November 21, 2018
There was a time I was totally into gothic romances. This book brings me back to those days.
Molly Todd and Cooper Middleton wake up in Vegas after some wild days (college reunion of Cooper and his friends and they met Molly the first day) and they find they are married. Cooper brings Molly to his hometown McClellanville near Charleston, where they will figure out how to annul their marriage. When they arrive at Cooper's home where he lives with his father and sister, Molly is intrigued with Cooper's first wife who just up and left years before.
The story is told from Molly's point of view. It is written very beautifully. I was immediately sucked in to the story. However, I have read so many gothics I could predict how the story would turn out. It is not really original in that way. But I loved the setting and the writing style of this author.
I look forward to her next book.
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ***
Molly Todd and Cooper Middleton wake up in Vegas after some wild days (college reunion of Cooper and his friends and they met Molly the first day) and they find they are married. Cooper brings Molly to his hometown McClellanville near Charleston, where they will figure out how to annul their marriage. When they arrive at Cooper's home where he lives with his father and sister, Molly is intrigued with Cooper's first wife who just up and left years before.
The story is told from Molly's point of view. It is written very beautifully. I was immediately sucked in to the story. However, I have read so many gothics I could predict how the story would turn out. It is not really original in that way. But I loved the setting and the writing style of this author.
I look forward to her next book.
*** I requested and received an ARC via Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary review. ***
Want to read
November 13, 2018Molly Todd wakes up in a Vegas parking lot with a headache, a virtual stranger, and a wedding ring. She's left with no other option but to go home with new husband Cooper Middleton to the Lowcountry of South Carolina to straighten out the mess they've made. The more Molly gets to know Cooper and his family, the more she wonders if she and Cooper might have a real chance together. Molly's unusual life experiences allow her to spot the skeletons in the Middleton family closet: ones Cooper's never suspected, ones that are hidden in plain sight. What Molly discovers will shake Cooper's foundations and could threaten both their lives.
Lying Beneath the Oaks by Kristin Wright is an intense romantic suspense thriller. The author doesn't add any extra fluff to try and describe the setting or characters, which can ruin a book, but just enough detail to give the reader a vivid picture of the setting. I've never been to the Lowcountry, but with the description of if, I feel like I've been there through the book. I loved this book!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of #LyingBeneathTheOaks
Pub Date: 15 Jan 2019
Lying Beneath the Oaks by Kristin Wright is an intense romantic suspense thriller. The author doesn't add any extra fluff to try and describe the setting or characters, which can ruin a book, but just enough detail to give the reader a vivid picture of the setting. I've never been to the Lowcountry, but with the description of if, I feel like I've been there through the book. I loved this book!
Thanks to #NetGalley for the ARC of #LyingBeneathTheOaks
Pub Date: 15 Jan 2019
February 16, 2019
This book is the perfect combination of suspense, thriller, mystery and romance. Well written, in the 1st person narrative of Molly. Molly has secrets from her past she guards. In the beginning of the book, she has no one. She wakes up from a 3 day drunken stupor married to Cooper, a man she meets in a Vegas hotel.
As we meet Cooper's family, it is clear that not all will be OK. I liked the sisterly relationship that develops between Molly and Caroline, the mother figure of Miss Aurelia. Ted is terrifying to me from the start, the way he seems on the surface. Toward the end this book became impossible to put down. I'll be surely looking to read any future books by Wright.
As we meet Cooper's family, it is clear that not all will be OK. I liked the sisterly relationship that develops between Molly and Caroline, the mother figure of Miss Aurelia. Ted is terrifying to me from the start, the way he seems on the surface. Toward the end this book became impossible to put down. I'll be surely looking to read any future books by Wright.
January 14, 2019
I love the cover! Lying Beneath the Oaks is a romance mystery with a touch of Southern culture. Two strangers wake up hungover and married in Vegas. They decide to get an annulment. After that, a visit to South Carolina twists things around a bit. Family becomes involved, feelings grow and change and mysterious things come to light. The story is engaging and fun. The characters are loveable. I enjoyed the story from beginning to end. I recommend this one. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2018
A perfect book for your winter downtime! There's steamy romance, mystery, family dynamics gone awry and a lovely message about personal redemption. As several others have mentioned, the use of the southern setting here is exquisite. Come for the kissing and stay for a deeper romance between two characters who have to learn to forgive themselves before they can be happy together.
November 14, 2018
A great read with a well-balanced mix of mystery, suspense and romance. LBTO provides a swift moving plot, well-developed characters, and a historical flavor that brings out the beauty as well as the shadowy intrigue of the old south. Blend those elements with the best and worst of human nature as captured in its pages and you have a gripping novel that keeps the reader enthralled until the very end.
January 15, 2019
I loved this book! Romance, suspense, humor, and great writing. I enjoyed the Southern details and atmosphere, and the chemistry between the two main characters was so well done. Highly recommended!
November 9, 2018
I received a copy of this book for honest review.
3 1/2 stars
Overall this was an interesting story but I never really loved or hated the main characters, the writing just didn't pull me in.
3 1/2 stars
Overall this was an interesting story but I never really loved or hated the main characters, the writing just didn't pull me in.
November 7, 2018
Lying Beneath the Oaks by author Kristin Wright is romance mystery/thriller that is as intense as it is engulfing. A nail biting story that hold interest until way past the last page!
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Lying Beneath the Oaks in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an arc copy of Lying Beneath the Oaks in exchange for an honest review.
October 25, 2018
This book is a suspenseful, atmospheric dream. This gorgeous debut introduces such a vivid and engaging cast of characters, too. It's so transportive and deftly written - I couldn't put it down!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews