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Erin's life is shattered in a single night after a horrific act of sexual violence. She doesn't remember any of it, but she has the bruises and lacerations all over her body as painful reminders of something she just wants to put behind her. The problem is, she can’t move on. Everything she’d ever hoped for was torn away from her that night. The man she’s been crushing on has vowed to restore her sense of safety and security. He’ll stop at nothing to catch the assailant who hurt her. The tragic irony is, now he wants her in his life. But it’s too late now.
Mack Donovan has always kept a careful distance from Erin. She’s sweet, beautiful, and innocent - way too young and too good for him. After a career in the military and a stint as a mercenary, he’s done things he's not proud of. He thinks his hands are too dirty to touch her. When he rejects her invitation to attend a New Year’s Eve party, the unthinkable happens. A sexual predator drugs Erin and steals not just her innocence, but her sense of self. Mack will stop at nothing to find him and end him. In the meanwhile, he’s not giving up on Erin. He will show her that not all men are monsters.
Mack Donovan has always kept a careful distance from Erin. She’s sweet, beautiful, and innocent - way too young and too good for him. After a career in the military and a stint as a mercenary, he’s done things he's not proud of. He thinks his hands are too dirty to touch her. When he rejects her invitation to attend a New Year’s Eve party, the unthinkable happens. A sexual predator drugs Erin and steals not just her innocence, but her sense of self. Mack will stop at nothing to find him and end him. In the meanwhile, he’s not giving up on Erin. He will show her that not all men are monsters.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 28, 2019
1388 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
April Wilson
50 books1,020 followersI write about alpha protectors who fall in love hard and unconditionally, through the good and the bad. My characters are strong, sexy, and slightly damaged... because no one is perfect. All of my novels have happy-ever-after endings. What else would you expect from a die-hard romantic? I'm the author of the McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series of contemporary romance novels.
I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.
Thanks!
I live in Ohio with my daughter and more than a few dogs and cats. When I'm not writing, I'm reading romance novels and watching movies with happy endings. I'd love to hear from you! You can e-mail me at aprilwilsonwrites@outlook.com. Or, visit my website: aprilwilsonauthor.com.
Thanks!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
June 19, 2019
Regret is a highly emotional,well written, romance that includes suspense, some sex, and very sympathic characters. Be warned, however, this book may include major triggers for anyone who has been sexually abused or assaulted. While the attack itself isn’t described, the aftermath certainly is.
Erin O’Connor has fallen in love with the head of security at the bookstore where she works, but Mack Donovan knows he is too old and too dark for the bright and lively girl. Besides he has been warned away from her by his boss, husband to Erin’s best friend. He works hard to keep her in the friend zone, although he would really like more.
When Erin invites him to a New Year’s Eve party, he turns her down once again, and she attends the event with her roommates, who leave her to find her own way home. When she fails to show up for work the next day, Mack goes hunting for her-and finds her drugged, beaten and raped.
It takes Erin weeks to recover physically-and she’s not sure if she will ever totally recover mentally. Mack realizes she really is the one for him-but she’s not ready for him or anyone else.
Can Mack help her rediscover herself while keeping her safe from her attacker?
Erin is a very strong personality, although she doesn’t feel it after the attack. She is smart, loyal and loving. Mack is a real hero-protective, and so very cautious with Erin both before and after the event.
The author takes us through the victim’s emotions in a very realistic way and leaves the reader emotionally drained, but uplifted.
May 2, 2019
4 💘💘💘💘👏👏🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️
April Wilson wrote such a beautiful suspenseful romantic story that gripped my heart. Her writing had strength and depth, with description and passion, the pace was perfect and the characters were powerfully and fully developed.
April Wilson wrote such a beautiful suspenseful romantic story that gripped my heart. Her writing had strength and depth, with description and passion, the pace was perfect and the characters were powerfully and fully developed.
April 30, 2019
Worth the wait
So good. Like most I have been for Erin and Macks story. This did not disappoint. There are many tough moments in this story. It is done so well and is a hard fought HEA for Mack and Erin.
So good. Like most I have been for Erin and Macks story. This did not disappoint. There are many tough moments in this story. It is done so well and is a hard fought HEA for Mack and Erin.
April 30, 2019
This is a really good series and this book is an excellent addition.
Erin and Mack.
This is a very emotional story, it deals with a difficult subject but the author manages to express the fear, guilt and feelings of all those involved.
Possible triggers...
Erin undergoes a horrific attack, there are no details of the scene of the attack, which is brutal and sexual, but the story deals with the after effects of it, pain, nightmares etc.
While these are vague, there may be triggers for anyone who has an issue with these things, but to is very tastefully done.
The attacker does not really feature much and there is no continuing threat past her stay in hospital.
Mack is devoted and loyal.
No other woman/man drama, other than the attacker but no Ex drama.
Mack has a daughter but the mother does not feature in the story, only a passing mention.
No cheating.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
There are references to characters and couples that have appeared in previous books and their stories so best to read the series in order.
I did feel that it may have benefited from being a duet as to experience recovery from such an event I felt would have taken more time, early on in the series other couples stories were extended over 2 books.
I felt to go from the heroine feeling nervous to be touched by the Hero to being in a sexual relationship within the span of the one book was a bit unrealistic, she has no memory of the attack but she has vague memories, ptsd and nightmares so I would have liked to see more time pass.
I also felt her moving in with him, when he only had one available bedroom was unrealistic.
The writing and emotion expressed is excellent and I have found the whole series has covered difficult issues and the the author was brave to go there.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
HFN but HEA on the horizon.
Erin and Mack.
This is a very emotional story, it deals with a difficult subject but the author manages to express the fear, guilt and feelings of all those involved.
Possible triggers...
Erin undergoes a horrific attack, there are no details of the scene of the attack, which is brutal and sexual, but the story deals with the after effects of it, pain, nightmares etc.
While these are vague, there may be triggers for anyone who has an issue with these things, but to is very tastefully done.
The attacker does not really feature much and there is no continuing threat past her stay in hospital.
Mack is devoted and loyal.
No other woman/man drama, other than the attacker but no Ex drama.
Mack has a daughter but the mother does not feature in the story, only a passing mention.
No cheating.
No intimate scenes with anyone other than the Hero and heroine.
There are references to characters and couples that have appeared in previous books and their stories so best to read the series in order.
I did feel that it may have benefited from being a duet as to experience recovery from such an event I felt would have taken more time, early on in the series other couples stories were extended over 2 books.
I felt to go from the heroine feeling nervous to be touched by the Hero to being in a sexual relationship within the span of the one book was a bit unrealistic, she has no memory of the attack but she has vague memories, ptsd and nightmares so I would have liked to see more time pass.
I also felt her moving in with him, when he only had one available bedroom was unrealistic.
The writing and emotion expressed is excellent and I have found the whole series has covered difficult issues and the the author was brave to go there.
Breadcrumbs dropped for future books in series.
HFN but HEA on the horizon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2024
I have mixed feelings about this book. I liked it a lot, I liked the chemistry between Mack and Erin and how he helped her overcome her issues and bring her back to life.
My main issue with this story was that 80% of the book is focused on the attack and the weeks immediately following it.
I would have liked maybe less time spent on the just after and more time on her life a few weeks/months after.
It was just not quite believable for me that she would overcome such a traumatism in such short time.
But other than that, I enjoyed it
My main issue with this story was that 80% of the book is focused on the attack and the weeks immediately following it.
I would have liked maybe less time spent on the just after and more time on her life a few weeks/months after.
It was just not quite believable for me that she would overcome such a traumatism in such short time.
But other than that, I enjoyed it
February 18, 2022
I liked the heroine , she was so sweet! I hated what she went through! That was too much omg and my heart hurt for the poor soul. I really wanted to smack the hero to get over himself and date her 🤣
The book started out good and I expected groveling and angst but I am disappointed to say that it turned out to be pretty boring which later made me DNF it.
The book started out good and I expected groveling and angst but I am disappointed to say that it turned out to be pretty boring which later made me DNF it.
August 30, 2019
While the attack on Erin is awful and difficult to read about, her recovery with Mack’s help is beautiful and touching. Both characters are so kind and well developed, I’ll miss them. A heroic and moving story.
May 31, 2020
I'm torn on how to rate this one. I have loved Erin and Mack since they were first introduced and couldn't wait for their story to see how they finally came together. It happened in a way I didn't expect -- which is fine -- but I do think it could have been done better. I still love Mack and Erin and did enjoy their story, it just didn't quite live up to my expectations.
First, the good. They are great characters, and this did make me fall in love with them even more. Mack is perfect for her. This is definitely a tough subject matter, but Mack really helped her through it beautifully.
Things that left me scratching my head? Mack has been pushing Erin away for several books now, and while I understand these events made him realize life is too short, I expected his previous reasoning to be discussed in more detail. The suspense angle was also wrapped up quite early in the story, which surprised me and made the pacing feel off to me. I also understand that we don't necessarily know how much passed during the course of the story, but the progression of their physical relationship felt a tad rushed to me given everything.
I also don't love how this author ends these books. I understand that the ending/epilogue usually doesn't involve marriage, a peek down the road, etc. because the characters continue to show up in future books, but I still find myself always wanting a little more from the ending.
First, the good. They are great characters, and this did make me fall in love with them even more. Mack is perfect for her. This is definitely a tough subject matter, but Mack really helped her through it beautifully.
Things that left me scratching my head? Mack has been pushing Erin away for several books now, and while I understand these events made him realize life is too short, I expected his previous reasoning to be discussed in more detail. The suspense angle was also wrapped up quite early in the story, which surprised me and made the pacing feel off to me. I also understand that we don't necessarily know how much passed during the course of the story, but the progression of their physical relationship felt a tad rushed to me given everything.
I also don't love how this author ends these books. I understand that the ending/epilogue usually doesn't involve marriage, a peek down the road, etc. because the characters continue to show up in future books, but I still find myself always wanting a little more from the ending.
September 4, 2020
- The book was really good, especially how the H supports h during her toughest time.
- Though he starts caring for her when she was raped, I still think if that had not happened he would've still avoided her as he used to before the incident happened.
-h used to have feelings for H and used to always ask H out but H always used to turn down the offer thinking she is too young than him. He kept her at distance. h was 13 years younger than H. Even when h was raped, that night she had asked H to join her at the party but he turned it down too.
And I think he was guilt ridden to what happened to her and only for that he went and persuaded h.
- Apart from that I think the rapist was killed too soon and very easily. The raper was actually a serial killer who used to rape them and kill them and keep the girls underwear and bras as his possessions. He gave scars, bite marks that would last lifetime on h's body and without any torture he was just shot! and he was dead! Though I wanted to see some torture they would do to the raper, I mean come on they are security, but anyway I will give this book 3 stars.
- Though he starts caring for her when she was raped, I still think if that had not happened he would've still avoided her as he used to before the incident happened.
-h used to have feelings for H and used to always ask H out but H always used to turn down the offer thinking she is too young than him. He kept her at distance. h was 13 years younger than H. Even when h was raped, that night she had asked H to join her at the party but he turned it down too.
And I think he was guilt ridden to what happened to her and only for that he went and persuaded h.
- Apart from that I think the rapist was killed too soon and very easily. The raper was actually a serial killer who used to rape them and kill them and keep the girls underwear and bras as his possessions. He gave scars, bite marks that would last lifetime on h's body and without any torture he was just shot! and he was dead! Though I wanted to see some torture they would do to the raper, I mean come on they are security, but anyway I will give this book 3 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2019
When I discovered April Wilson's MacIntyre Security series I binge-read them all. And throughout the books I kept waiting for the story of Mack and Erin. I desperately wanted to know how they would get together. What would happen to them. So when this book was finally released I couldn't read it fast enough. I was desperate to reconnect with some of my favourite characters.
I did reconnect with them. And I loved the story, heartbreaking as it was. However I was also left disappointed. I REALLY wanted to love this book. And in some ways I do as Ms Wilson has created a wonderful cast and has interwoven their stories beautifully. I still love Mack and Erin. I'm still blown away by the path they had to take to find peace in each other. But even though I itched to be able to give this book five or even four stars, I just couldn't, because all the things I loved are the things that the story is imbued with solely because of the strength of the ten books standing behind "Regret". On its own, it is a relatively poor shadow of Ms Wilson's previous achievements and I cannot help but feel like she got weary or frustrated or else got pushed into publishing this book at least one or two revisions away from it being a polished work.
SPOILERS AHEAD -------------------
I know that the author is capable of handling very tough subjects with sensitivity, and that she's also capable of giving her characters the space to make their transformation in a believable manner while at the same time wrapping the suspense of the plot around the character development. There is no such achievement here. "Regret" is in effect two books - a short hunt for the serial killer, and then a stilted romance story of recovery. There are so many missed opportunities to take the two beloved characters through their journey while delivering the level of suspense that Ms Wilson has done with other books. Lets begin with the perpetrator - the search to locate them is almost desultory and laughably easy. Mack and his partner find him with almost no effort, and his story is over with only a little bit of fuss and resistance. There is not even the slightest bit of effort to unravel his motive, making him the most uninteresting and underwhelming bad guy ever. This seems strange after the author goes through the trouble of setting him up as a serial killer. She drops hints about his attacks being driven by deep seated hate, and that the looks of the three women bore similarities, teasing a possible motive but this thread is abandoned. Once the bad guy is gone, all non-sexual tension is released from the book at the barely half way point. Given the reaction of the bad guy to Mack showing up I honestly expected there to be some feint - that the guy turned out to be the wrong one, and that the killer was still out there threatening Erin without anyone's knowledge until some sort of tense climax but nope. Ms Wilson even goes so far as to introduce a frightening new secondary character named Zaretti to back up Mack, taking pains to emphasize his purpose as the guy who gets his hands dirty, and in the end he barely lifts a finger when Jamison shoots the bad guy and then he vanishes never to be seen again. Anti-climactic doesn't even cover it.
The second part of the book, dedicated exclusively to Erin's recovery and her relationship with Mack, is similarly full of threads that look like tantalising opportunities to develop the character relationship but are then swiftly abandoned. The most important character in all this is, of course Erin, but we actually get very little insight into her emotional journey. There's a brief mention of her attending a therapist, but little dialogue or discussion of how she finds her way past her belief of the attack being her fault. And although there are numerous scenes where the secondary characters are clearly aware of her distress and her need for help, Ms Wilson doesn't try to engage any of them in dialogue about what the implications of sexual assault are on a person for recovery. There's no attempt for Beth or Mack to try and understand the motivations behind Erin's refusal to see Mack at the beginning. Given that the MacIntyre clan consistes of quite strong women all of whom have encountered violence in some form of another, I am very surprised that Ms Wilson chose not to have one or two of them discuss their own experiences with Erin as a way of helping her process her own feelings. As a result, Erin's process of recovery feels rushed, as if the author is simply ticking boxes on her way to the ending. It is the first time in the MacIntyre series where I felt the emotional journey of one of her characters following a trauma was implausibly orchestrated. It's not that it can't happen, but it happens too fast, making it feel contrived.
Then there's Mack. I've accepted from the beginning that the men in the MacIntyre series are all just a shade too perfect and Mack is the same. But that's the reason we as readers fall in love with the characters. Mack's strength and protectiveness over Erin are not flaws in the book. But again, Ms Wilson misses a fantastic opportunity to not only flesh him out, but use his character as a tool to prompt Erin down her own path of recovery. Mack undergoes only one significant change in the book - he goes from being completely opposed to getting involved with Erin to accepting that life is too short and there is no good reason for him not to love her. But all other nuances of his reasons for staying away seem to get lost. We spend ages hearing him say that he's not only too old, but too tainted for someone as "pure" as Erin, too much affected by his past and his work. However none of this manifests once Mack accepts that he wants to have her. There's a brief allusion to Mack occasionally having nightmares, but even though the hint is dropped, nothing is done with it. Ms Wilson could have easily turned the tables on the couple three fourths of the way through the book - having Mack wake up from a nightmare and giving Erin a glimpse into his own tortured past. The subsequent discussion could have easily given the opportunity to address their misconceptions about themselves and each other. It could have been a great tool to empower Erin to not only accept help from Mack, but to give comfort in return. And it would have given Mack more depth to allow him to show that weakness and darkness to Erin and discover that she is made of sterner stuff.
I want to reiterate that I love the characters. I also think that Ms Wilson did a great job with the secondary cast, as usual. I was delighted to see a softer side of Shane come out with someone other than Beth. The presence of Erin even manages to remove the ever present stick-up-his-behind from Detective Jamison. I loved seeing the insightful Sam looking after both Beth and Erin. I'm even curious to find out more about this dark and mysterious Dominic Zaretti. And although difficult to read, I love the journey that Ms Wilson mapped out for my two favourite characters, Erin and Mack. However I know from her previous books that she can do so much better about the detail than she has managed to here. I hope that at some point in future she takes another stab at it and revises this story into something fuller and fleshier, because then I think it truly has the potential to be a magnificent five star read.
I did reconnect with them. And I loved the story, heartbreaking as it was. However I was also left disappointed. I REALLY wanted to love this book. And in some ways I do as Ms Wilson has created a wonderful cast and has interwoven their stories beautifully. I still love Mack and Erin. I'm still blown away by the path they had to take to find peace in each other. But even though I itched to be able to give this book five or even four stars, I just couldn't, because all the things I loved are the things that the story is imbued with solely because of the strength of the ten books standing behind "Regret". On its own, it is a relatively poor shadow of Ms Wilson's previous achievements and I cannot help but feel like she got weary or frustrated or else got pushed into publishing this book at least one or two revisions away from it being a polished work.
SPOILERS AHEAD -------------------
I know that the author is capable of handling very tough subjects with sensitivity, and that she's also capable of giving her characters the space to make their transformation in a believable manner while at the same time wrapping the suspense of the plot around the character development. There is no such achievement here. "Regret" is in effect two books - a short hunt for the serial killer, and then a stilted romance story of recovery. There are so many missed opportunities to take the two beloved characters through their journey while delivering the level of suspense that Ms Wilson has done with other books. Lets begin with the perpetrator - the search to locate them is almost desultory and laughably easy. Mack and his partner find him with almost no effort, and his story is over with only a little bit of fuss and resistance. There is not even the slightest bit of effort to unravel his motive, making him the most uninteresting and underwhelming bad guy ever. This seems strange after the author goes through the trouble of setting him up as a serial killer. She drops hints about his attacks being driven by deep seated hate, and that the looks of the three women bore similarities, teasing a possible motive but this thread is abandoned. Once the bad guy is gone, all non-sexual tension is released from the book at the barely half way point. Given the reaction of the bad guy to Mack showing up I honestly expected there to be some feint - that the guy turned out to be the wrong one, and that the killer was still out there threatening Erin without anyone's knowledge until some sort of tense climax but nope. Ms Wilson even goes so far as to introduce a frightening new secondary character named Zaretti to back up Mack, taking pains to emphasize his purpose as the guy who gets his hands dirty, and in the end he barely lifts a finger when Jamison shoots the bad guy and then he vanishes never to be seen again. Anti-climactic doesn't even cover it.
The second part of the book, dedicated exclusively to Erin's recovery and her relationship with Mack, is similarly full of threads that look like tantalising opportunities to develop the character relationship but are then swiftly abandoned. The most important character in all this is, of course Erin, but we actually get very little insight into her emotional journey. There's a brief mention of her attending a therapist, but little dialogue or discussion of how she finds her way past her belief of the attack being her fault. And although there are numerous scenes where the secondary characters are clearly aware of her distress and her need for help, Ms Wilson doesn't try to engage any of them in dialogue about what the implications of sexual assault are on a person for recovery. There's no attempt for Beth or Mack to try and understand the motivations behind Erin's refusal to see Mack at the beginning. Given that the MacIntyre clan consistes of quite strong women all of whom have encountered violence in some form of another, I am very surprised that Ms Wilson chose not to have one or two of them discuss their own experiences with Erin as a way of helping her process her own feelings. As a result, Erin's process of recovery feels rushed, as if the author is simply ticking boxes on her way to the ending. It is the first time in the MacIntyre series where I felt the emotional journey of one of her characters following a trauma was implausibly orchestrated. It's not that it can't happen, but it happens too fast, making it feel contrived.
Then there's Mack. I've accepted from the beginning that the men in the MacIntyre series are all just a shade too perfect and Mack is the same. But that's the reason we as readers fall in love with the characters. Mack's strength and protectiveness over Erin are not flaws in the book. But again, Ms Wilson misses a fantastic opportunity to not only flesh him out, but use his character as a tool to prompt Erin down her own path of recovery. Mack undergoes only one significant change in the book - he goes from being completely opposed to getting involved with Erin to accepting that life is too short and there is no good reason for him not to love her. But all other nuances of his reasons for staying away seem to get lost. We spend ages hearing him say that he's not only too old, but too tainted for someone as "pure" as Erin, too much affected by his past and his work. However none of this manifests once Mack accepts that he wants to have her. There's a brief allusion to Mack occasionally having nightmares, but even though the hint is dropped, nothing is done with it. Ms Wilson could have easily turned the tables on the couple three fourths of the way through the book - having Mack wake up from a nightmare and giving Erin a glimpse into his own tortured past. The subsequent discussion could have easily given the opportunity to address their misconceptions about themselves and each other. It could have been a great tool to empower Erin to not only accept help from Mack, but to give comfort in return. And it would have given Mack more depth to allow him to show that weakness and darkness to Erin and discover that she is made of sterner stuff.
I want to reiterate that I love the characters. I also think that Ms Wilson did a great job with the secondary cast, as usual. I was delighted to see a softer side of Shane come out with someone other than Beth. The presence of Erin even manages to remove the ever present stick-up-his-behind from Detective Jamison. I loved seeing the insightful Sam looking after both Beth and Erin. I'm even curious to find out more about this dark and mysterious Dominic Zaretti. And although difficult to read, I love the journey that Ms Wilson mapped out for my two favourite characters, Erin and Mack. However I know from her previous books that she can do so much better about the detail than she has managed to here. I hope that at some point in future she takes another stab at it and revises this story into something fuller and fleshier, because then I think it truly has the potential to be a magnificent five star read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2019
Another winner to add to the McIntyre collection!
I thought this story about Mack and Erin was really well written. The chapters covering Erin's attack were just heartbreaking but it was heart warming to see the troop rally round Erin in her time of need. I thought Mack and Erin had a really sweet connection and I loved their friendship and how it slowly developed into something more.
I did feel the climax of Mack and Erin relationship was slightly rushed and I thought April really only skimmed the surface when it came to what Erin was experiencing in terms of her thoughts and feelings about her rape. It was mainly denial and then she was over it and onto feeling lust for Mack. I felt there should have been more in terms of Erin's acceptance of what happened to her, whether that have been her remembering something about her ordeal or us being privy to her sessions with her therapist but that was all just skimmed over. That's why I didn't rate this book 5 stars but it was still a great story! I am definitely looking forward to the next books in the McIntyre series!!
I thought this story about Mack and Erin was really well written. The chapters covering Erin's attack were just heartbreaking but it was heart warming to see the troop rally round Erin in her time of need. I thought Mack and Erin had a really sweet connection and I loved their friendship and how it slowly developed into something more.
I did feel the climax of Mack and Erin relationship was slightly rushed and I thought April really only skimmed the surface when it came to what Erin was experiencing in terms of her thoughts and feelings about her rape. It was mainly denial and then she was over it and onto feeling lust for Mack. I felt there should have been more in terms of Erin's acceptance of what happened to her, whether that have been her remembering something about her ordeal or us being privy to her sessions with her therapist but that was all just skimmed over. That's why I didn't rate this book 5 stars but it was still a great story! I am definitely looking forward to the next books in the McIntyre series!!
April 29, 2019
In awe of this book
This book was eagerly anticipated by April’s readers. Mack and Erin, we wanted this story so much. Now it’s finally arrived and April did not disappoint. Honestly I’m in awe of it all, a terribly horrific abuse subject handled so well, I felt the emotions of all parties involved. The pain and anguish of Erin to the deep sense of regret and anger of Mack. The support from all the McIntyre family was wonderful throughout. The Journey for both Erin and Mack is difficult, this truly destroyed them in different ways mentally and physically, can their friendship/relationship survive this horrendous experience. This book does start with quite a traumatic incident so be warned.
This book was eagerly anticipated by April’s readers. Mack and Erin, we wanted this story so much. Now it’s finally arrived and April did not disappoint. Honestly I’m in awe of it all, a terribly horrific abuse subject handled so well, I felt the emotions of all parties involved. The pain and anguish of Erin to the deep sense of regret and anger of Mack. The support from all the McIntyre family was wonderful throughout. The Journey for both Erin and Mack is difficult, this truly destroyed them in different ways mentally and physically, can their friendship/relationship survive this horrendous experience. This book does start with quite a traumatic incident so be warned.
April 30, 2019
Perfection, once again
I read. A lot. It's my thing. With this series I've been given 11 books that hold up to frequent re-reads. Over the course of this series Ms. Wilson has never be one to any away from the tough topics.
This book is the perfect addition to the series. You will cry, you will sigh, you will smile. Catch up with the giant McIntyre clan.
Once again, the count down begins as I eagerly await the next book in this series. With each new book in left wanting more. Thank you for writing what quickly has become one of my favorite series.
I read. A lot. It's my thing. With this series I've been given 11 books that hold up to frequent re-reads. Over the course of this series Ms. Wilson has never be one to any away from the tough topics.
This book is the perfect addition to the series. You will cry, you will sigh, you will smile. Catch up with the giant McIntyre clan.
Once again, the count down begins as I eagerly await the next book in this series. With each new book in left wanting more. Thank you for writing what quickly has become one of my favorite series.
March 3, 2021
This is one rough reading experience in that what happened to Erin was so terrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. I was riveted and on the edge of my seat. The writing is phenomenal. You could just feel everyone’s raw emotions in dealing with this, from Erin herself to Mack, Beth and even Shane. And speaking of Shane, glad he felt remorse as I hold him very responsible. I’m glad he owned up to it. Mack was a dream. If I had a daughter this would be required reading, what NOT to do when going out with friends. Great book, my favorite of the series. 5 stars!
April 29, 2019
A wonderful book that I very much enjoyed reading. Made me laugh and cry at the same time. Felt for Erin so much and love Mack.
Can't wait for the next one in the series. I highly recommend. 5 stars.
Can't wait for the next one in the series. I highly recommend. 5 stars.
April 29, 2019
Regret
OMG! Absolutely loved this book. I knew Mack would finally break through all his boundaries and Shane’s demands to claim his woman. Erin’s strength never fails to amaze me. Wonderful HEA.
OMG! Absolutely loved this book. I knew Mack would finally break through all his boundaries and Shane’s demands to claim his woman. Erin’s strength never fails to amaze me. Wonderful HEA.
December 20, 2020
Perfect!
Erin and Mack's story is another that I've been super excited about and I was not disappointed! I think Shane and Beth will always be my favorite couple but Erin and Mack come very close!
Erin and Mack's story is another that I've been super excited about and I was not disappointed! I think Shane and Beth will always be my favorite couple but Erin and Mack come very close!
March 16, 2022
TRIGGER WARNINGS this deals with rape and the aftereffects.
Our poor Erin is raped and almost killed by a serial killer and we live through this with her and Mack and it's incredibly heartbreaking.
The catch the guy but it wasn't satisfactory for my liking.
Our poor Erin is raped and almost killed by a serial killer and we live through this with her and Mack and it's incredibly heartbreaking.
The catch the guy but it wasn't satisfactory for my liking.
April 29, 2019
Worth waiting for
Loved it not moved all morning number 12 please 6'8 bad guy sounds interesting that will be a great addition to the set
Loved it not moved all morning number 12 please 6'8 bad guy sounds interesting that will be a great addition to the set
April 29, 2019
Loved it!
I truly enjoyed this book, just as I have enjoyed the others in this series. I can't get enough of these strong characters who love so deeply.
I truly enjoyed this book, just as I have enjoyed the others in this series. I can't get enough of these strong characters who love so deeply.
July 4, 2021
With regrets.
Erin loves Mac but it takes a catastrophe to bring them you. Mac has to deal with the regret he feels for waiting. I love this book.
Erin loves Mac but it takes a catastrophe to bring them you. Mac has to deal with the regret he feels for waiting. I love this book.
June 8, 2022
Beautiful heartbreaking romance. Huge trigger warning (S A).
August 12, 2020
Good but...
Like with most other books in this series, the author does a fabulous job doing a deep dive into a theme many romance writers eschew writing. Anyone reading this should take note of a major trigger warning for sexual assault, date rape and recovery because that is a major aspect of this book. I think for the most part the author dealt with this theme moderately well. There were some problematic aspects like the hero, Mack, unwittingly making the heroine, Erin’s pain about his guilt and his devastation on her behalf, and I had a little bit of discomfort with the healing process and its culmination, and it is certainly not the approach that I would have preferred but I do think all in all, the author tried to cover this theme with a lot of empathy and responsibility.
The premise of this age gap romance is that 22-year old Erin has had a crush on Mack since she met him but 35-year old Mack fees like he’s too old until tragedy strikes.
I think one thing this series does that I’m not a fan of is put up these super Pollyanna, naive, kind of super submissive high key helpless heroines. Other than Lia, the McIntyre bodyguard sister, I feel like all the heroines so far have been somewhat lacking in grit. I have a lot of respect for Erin and how she faced her trauma but prior to that, she kind of was treated like a child by Mack, Shane and everyone and I just have issues with that. That said, I thought this WAS good. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re triggered by the content because it is quite painful to read and this book is kind of about the healing process. I overall did like this and am still as into this series now as I was in book 1.
Like with most other books in this series, the author does a fabulous job doing a deep dive into a theme many romance writers eschew writing. Anyone reading this should take note of a major trigger warning for sexual assault, date rape and recovery because that is a major aspect of this book. I think for the most part the author dealt with this theme moderately well. There were some problematic aspects like the hero, Mack, unwittingly making the heroine, Erin’s pain about his guilt and his devastation on her behalf, and I had a little bit of discomfort with the healing process and its culmination, and it is certainly not the approach that I would have preferred but I do think all in all, the author tried to cover this theme with a lot of empathy and responsibility.
The premise of this age gap romance is that 22-year old Erin has had a crush on Mack since she met him but 35-year old Mack fees like he’s too old until tragedy strikes.
I think one thing this series does that I’m not a fan of is put up these super Pollyanna, naive, kind of super submissive high key helpless heroines. Other than Lia, the McIntyre bodyguard sister, I feel like all the heroines so far have been somewhat lacking in grit. I have a lot of respect for Erin and how she faced her trauma but prior to that, she kind of was treated like a child by Mack, Shane and everyone and I just have issues with that. That said, I thought this WAS good. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re triggered by the content because it is quite painful to read and this book is kind of about the healing process. I overall did like this and am still as into this series now as I was in book 1.
October 29, 2025
I DNF this at 50% bc I actually got cringed out. Mac was a whiny little bitch. Please read the below of more reasons I physically couldn’t continue this book:
- Does the author have an explanation point fetish? The exclamation points PISSED me off. What happened to describing someone yelling or describing someone is scared or describing someone is chipper? I HATE THE USE OF ! It’s like a child is talking. I’ve actually never read a book with more than 5 exclamation points that was for above a 5th grade reading level. Every time the MMC had a thought and followed it with a “!” all I could imagine was the voice of an eight-year-old boy saying the thought. Let me give you a few examples of his inner thoughts:
- “What the fuck! He spiked her drink!”
- “That fucking son of a bitch!”
- “Yes, something is definitely fucking wrong!”
- “That bastard touched her! He hurt her! He took something from her that he had no fucking right to take!”
It would sound so much more serious if instead his inner thoughts were like “What the fuck? I’m in disbelief as I watch that piece of shit spike her drink.”
No joke these exclamation points are the same energy as “Belly, your wedding’s at a fucking country club who are you!”
- I can’t really use this against the author, but I hate the name Mack. It makes me think of Mac and cheese. And a few times I thought of Mac the truck from the Pixar movie Cars. Crap I’m now craving Chik fil A mac n cheese as I write this and it’s 10 pm on a Saturday so I can’t even get it tmrw.
- “My hands curl into fists, and I have to remind myself I don’t hit women.” Excuse me sir what. My MMC standards are so high that this line alone made me instantly not like the MMC. He was referring to the FMC’s shitty roommate but still…
- I don’t know if I’m missing something because I obviously didn’t read any other books of the series (bc it’s interconnected standalone) but why are they acting like these security guards for a bookstore are mafia men? WHY ARE THERE EVEN BODY GUARDS FOR A BOOK STORE? It’s actually cringing me out bc this isn’t a mafia.
- The MMC calling FMC “honey” multiple freaking times made me want to throw up. God give me strength. I actually cannot put into words how much this pet name makes me physically recoil. In my opinion, only couples over the age of 60 should be using that as a term of endearment so I just couldn’t take the MMC seriously when he said that.
- There is no way bro actually went to comfort her after a customer was rude to her in like the first chapter. Like y’all both need to develop back bones. With the way bro was comforting her you would assume her ex came in and started degrading her in front of everyone. Like no you just had an interaction with a Karen calm down BOTH of you.
- Him being a former military guy was just such a no for me.
- “After three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, followed by a bout as a private mercenary working in Europe, The Middle East, and Africa, I’ve fucked my way across three continents. I’ve seen it all. I’ve done things I shouldn’t have, and frankly I’m lucky to still be alive”
- Ok great so you’re basically just telling us that you’re complicit with the US war crimes committed against these countries and you’ve probably killed innocent children or innocent unarmed individuals and have contributed to generational trauma ok yea that’s superb (I’m middle eastern btw if you couldn’t tell by this statement)
- It was actually starting to bother me how he was trying to blame himself for what happened to her and essentially start making it about him. Like this girl just faced this life altering event and he won’t stop apologizing and telling her how if he just came with her to the party then it wouldn’t have happened like yeah go ahead and pour salt into the GAPING wound:
“If I’d gone with you that night, none of this would have happened. I’m so damn sorry, honey.” You have no idea how fucking sorry I am. Please forgive me.
She nails me with glittering blue eyes that are swimming in tears. “It’s not your fault, Mack! It’s mine!” she practically hisses. Her lips compress into a line, and her chin quivers. “It’s my fault!” Her voice breaks so badly I can barely understand her. “I was so stupid!”
“Erin, no!” It breaks my heart that she would blame herself for something that was beyond her control. “It wasn’t your fault.”
[…]
“You were a victim, Erin. That means things happened to you, things that were beyond your control. You are in no way at fault here. And it’s an irrefutable fact that if I’d been there, it wouldn’t have happened. So if you want to blame someone, blame me.”
- LIKE OH MY GOD WHY ARE YOU MAKING THIS ABOUT YOU??? This woman was RAPED mind you and almost killed and this whiny little bitch has the nerve to think please forgive me??? Like way to make it about yourself. And then to tie this all together, bro starts MANSPLAINING what a victim is. LMAO THIS GUY PISSES ME OFF. This line also straight made me burst out laughing:
I throw my head back and roar until my voice is raw. Then the dam breaks, ragged sobs tearing out of me, and I collapse, dropping to my knees on the hardwood floor. Hot tears stream down my face, and I yell as loud as I can, as if she can hear me two floors away. “I’m sorry! I’m so fucking sorry!” LMAOOOOOOO LIKE THAT VISUAL ALONE IS ENOUGH TO MAKE ME DNF.
Anyway, I just think I really don’t like the author’s writing and I think these books are definitely something that a middle schooler would enjoy, but as for me, this is probably the worst book I’ve read since it ends with us bc the writing was just god awful and I’m alr 50% through but NOTHING has happened besides her traumatic night which was so rushed and happened in like a page.
- Does the author have an explanation point fetish? The exclamation points PISSED me off. What happened to describing someone yelling or describing someone is scared or describing someone is chipper? I HATE THE USE OF ! It’s like a child is talking. I’ve actually never read a book with more than 5 exclamation points that was for above a 5th grade reading level. Every time the MMC had a thought and followed it with a “!” all I could imagine was the voice of an eight-year-old boy saying the thought. Let me give you a few examples of his inner thoughts:
- “What the fuck! He spiked her drink!”
- “That fucking son of a bitch!”
- “Yes, something is definitely fucking wrong!”
- “That bastard touched her! He hurt her! He took something from her that he had no fucking right to take!”
It would sound so much more serious if instead his inner thoughts were like “What the fuck? I’m in disbelief as I watch that piece of shit spike her drink.”
No joke these exclamation points are the same energy as “Belly, your wedding’s at a fucking country club who are you!”
- I can’t really use this against the author, but I hate the name Mack. It makes me think of Mac and cheese. And a few times I thought of Mac the truck from the Pixar movie Cars. Crap I’m now craving Chik fil A mac n cheese as I write this and it’s 10 pm on a Saturday so I can’t even get it tmrw.
- “My hands curl into fists, and I have to remind myself I don’t hit women.” Excuse me sir what. My MMC standards are so high that this line alone made me instantly not like the MMC. He was referring to the FMC’s shitty roommate but still…
- I don’t know if I’m missing something because I obviously didn’t read any other books of the series (bc it’s interconnected standalone) but why are they acting like these security guards for a bookstore are mafia men? WHY ARE THERE EVEN BODY GUARDS FOR A BOOK STORE? It’s actually cringing me out bc this isn’t a mafia.
- The MMC calling FMC “honey” multiple freaking times made me want to throw up. God give me strength. I actually cannot put into words how much this pet name makes me physically recoil. In my opinion, only couples over the age of 60 should be using that as a term of endearment so I just couldn’t take the MMC seriously when he said that.
- There is no way bro actually went to comfort her after a customer was rude to her in like the first chapter. Like y’all both need to develop back bones. With the way bro was comforting her you would assume her ex came in and started degrading her in front of everyone. Like no you just had an interaction with a Karen calm down BOTH of you.
- Him being a former military guy was just such a no for me.
- “After three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, followed by a bout as a private mercenary working in Europe, The Middle East, and Africa, I’ve fucked my way across three continents. I’ve seen it all. I’ve done things I shouldn’t have, and frankly I’m lucky to still be alive”
- Ok great so you’re basically just telling us that you’re complicit with the US war crimes committed against these countries and you’ve probably killed innocent children or innocent unarmed individuals and have contributed to generational trauma ok yea that’s superb (I’m middle eastern btw if you couldn’t tell by this statement)
- It was actually starting to bother me how he was trying to blame himself for what happened to her and essentially start making it about him. Like this girl just faced this life altering event and he won’t stop apologizing and telling her how if he just came with her to the party then it wouldn’t have happened like yeah go ahead and pour salt into the GAPING wound:
“If I’d gone with you that night, none of this would have happened. I’m so damn sorry, honey.” You have no idea how fucking sorry I am. Please forgive me.
She nails me with glittering blue eyes that are swimming in tears. “It’s not your fault, Mack! It’s mine!” she practically hisses. Her lips compress into a line, and her chin quivers. “It’s my fault!” Her voice breaks so badly I can barely understand her. “I was so stupid!”
“Erin, no!” It breaks my heart that she would blame herself for something that was beyond her control. “It wasn’t your fault.”
[…]
“You were a victim, Erin. That means things happened to you, things that were beyond your control. You are in no way at fault here. And it’s an irrefutable fact that if I’d been there, it wouldn’t have happened. So if you want to blame someone, blame me.”
- LIKE OH MY GOD WHY ARE YOU MAKING THIS ABOUT YOU??? This woman was RAPED mind you and almost killed and this whiny little bitch has the nerve to think please forgive me??? Like way to make it about yourself. And then to tie this all together, bro starts MANSPLAINING what a victim is. LMAO THIS GUY PISSES ME OFF. This line also straight made me burst out laughing:
I throw my head back and roar until my voice is raw. Then the dam breaks, ragged sobs tearing out of me, and I collapse, dropping to my knees on the hardwood floor. Hot tears stream down my face, and I yell as loud as I can, as if she can hear me two floors away. “I’m sorry! I’m so fucking sorry!” LMAOOOOOOO LIKE THAT VISUAL ALONE IS ENOUGH TO MAKE ME DNF.
Anyway, I just think I really don’t like the author’s writing and I think these books are definitely something that a middle schooler would enjoy, but as for me, this is probably the worst book I’ve read since it ends with us bc the writing was just god awful and I’m alr 50% through but NOTHING has happened besides her traumatic night which was so rushed and happened in like a page.
October 26, 2021
Plot is mix of triggers and tropes. The weak H loves the h but his trope is he's much older. She's a sweet virgin, who asked him out but he turns her down many times. The h's character is all too common, no family, she's super sweet and works in a book shop. She's drugged when she's with 'friends', who leave her. The H rescues her too late, of course. For me the aftermath was skimmed over, too easily resolved. Given the brutality of the attack, she should have had years of therapy. But it seems that all she needed was a hunky older man.
April 19, 2020
Absolutely beautiful....big note/possibly spoiler, if you have triggers this read might be one for those who ever experienced an assault.
Leave it to April to perfect her words and story! Mack and Erin go through an absolutely terrible experience! The emotions are high and low between the two of them! This was an emotional read, stick with it, they do and it is absolutely beautiful! Thank you April!
Leave it to April to perfect her words and story! Mack and Erin go through an absolutely terrible experience! The emotions are high and low between the two of them! This was an emotional read, stick with it, they do and it is absolutely beautiful! Thank you April!
December 14, 2019
Emotional Rollercoaster
What can I say about this book. April Wilson has such a great way of keeping the storyline going. Read it in one day! Mack and Erin have been in the background of April’s other books in the series, now they have their own story. Life is full of regrets, but we can’t let those regret keep us from living our lives. Love does conquer all; this story is proof of that.
What can I say about this book. April Wilson has such a great way of keeping the storyline going. Read it in one day! Mack and Erin have been in the background of April’s other books in the series, now they have their own story. Life is full of regrets, but we can’t let those regret keep us from living our lives. Love does conquer all; this story is proof of that.
May 4, 2019
Regret - McIntyre Security Bodyguard Series - Book 11 by April Wilson
Where do i begin.... This book was worth waiting for. OMG!!!
** Spoiler Alert**
Mack and Erin’s story is one filled with pure pain, heartbreak, healing and unconditional love. Mack Donovan is the Head of security at the bookstore where Erin works. Mack is secretly in love with Erin but cannot act on his feelings or his boss Shane will kick his ass. Mack is a great guy but way older than Erin and Shane is over protective because Erin is so much younger than Mack and she is also one of Beth’s friends. He does not want to see Erin get hurt but little does he realise that keeping Mack away from Erin, causes her so much more pain and suffering.
Erin is head over heels in love with Mack but he will not acknowledge her. He banters with her but keeps his distance. Is it because she is young and inexperienced? Does he want a more experienced woman instead? She thought being a virgin was a good thing but is it instead a curse?
Erin is a kind, caring and loving woman who puts everyone else’s needs and wants above her own. Her needs don’t matter so to prove this, she accepts a night out with her friends. Her friends however have boyfriends so once again she builds up the courage to ask Mack to accompany her to the New Years Eve party, however Mack turns her down. Disappointment fills her but she won’t let him see the hurt in her eyes. Going to a New Years party is not what she wants to do but a promise is a promise. She needs to go with her friends and try to have a good time. Midnight comes and she is all alone. Her friends decide to leave with their significant others only to leave her alone at a party she didn’t even want to attend.
Mack knows something is wrong. Erin isn’t at work and he is worried. Where could she be? His heart is beating a mile a minute. He has to know she is fine. Her phones goes to voice mail. Her friends don’t know where she is. Did she meet someone? After hunting high and low, he finds her but what he sees, will haunt him for the rest of his life. He blames himself. Why did he turn her invite down?
Erin is in so much pain. She can barely open her eyes. Her body hurts all over. Was she in an accident? Where is she?
There is so much more story so please read this book but make sure you have the tissues ready.
This story was so well written. The pain was real... The heartbreak was felt... the tears fell easily... I know that somewhere out there in this cruel world, is a woman who has or is suffering the same way Erin did in this book and my heart goes out to her. OMG what Erin endured.... i would not wish that upon my worst enemy.
April, you write with so much heart. When i read one of your books, the characters come to life. I live what they are going through. I feel what they feel. The emotions, the love, the suffering, the heartbreak. The unity of family is what holds us together and the love that the McIntyre family have for each other is felt right down to the bone.
Thank you for writing this emotional but yet amazing story.
5 out of 5 stars
Where do i begin.... This book was worth waiting for. OMG!!!
** Spoiler Alert**
Mack and Erin’s story is one filled with pure pain, heartbreak, healing and unconditional love. Mack Donovan is the Head of security at the bookstore where Erin works. Mack is secretly in love with Erin but cannot act on his feelings or his boss Shane will kick his ass. Mack is a great guy but way older than Erin and Shane is over protective because Erin is so much younger than Mack and she is also one of Beth’s friends. He does not want to see Erin get hurt but little does he realise that keeping Mack away from Erin, causes her so much more pain and suffering.
Erin is head over heels in love with Mack but he will not acknowledge her. He banters with her but keeps his distance. Is it because she is young and inexperienced? Does he want a more experienced woman instead? She thought being a virgin was a good thing but is it instead a curse?
Erin is a kind, caring and loving woman who puts everyone else’s needs and wants above her own. Her needs don’t matter so to prove this, she accepts a night out with her friends. Her friends however have boyfriends so once again she builds up the courage to ask Mack to accompany her to the New Years Eve party, however Mack turns her down. Disappointment fills her but she won’t let him see the hurt in her eyes. Going to a New Years party is not what she wants to do but a promise is a promise. She needs to go with her friends and try to have a good time. Midnight comes and she is all alone. Her friends decide to leave with their significant others only to leave her alone at a party she didn’t even want to attend.
Mack knows something is wrong. Erin isn’t at work and he is worried. Where could she be? His heart is beating a mile a minute. He has to know she is fine. Her phones goes to voice mail. Her friends don’t know where she is. Did she meet someone? After hunting high and low, he finds her but what he sees, will haunt him for the rest of his life. He blames himself. Why did he turn her invite down?
Erin is in so much pain. She can barely open her eyes. Her body hurts all over. Was she in an accident? Where is she?
There is so much more story so please read this book but make sure you have the tissues ready.
This story was so well written. The pain was real... The heartbreak was felt... the tears fell easily... I know that somewhere out there in this cruel world, is a woman who has or is suffering the same way Erin did in this book and my heart goes out to her. OMG what Erin endured.... i would not wish that upon my worst enemy.
April, you write with so much heart. When i read one of your books, the characters come to life. I live what they are going through. I feel what they feel. The emotions, the love, the suffering, the heartbreak. The unity of family is what holds us together and the love that the McIntyre family have for each other is felt right down to the bone.
Thank you for writing this emotional but yet amazing story.
5 out of 5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2021
This book could have been really great given the storyline despite the inconsistencies in every book of this series, I've continued to read on... hoping. It really felt like the author wasn't that interested in this book, like she didn't actually want to write their story or give time to their characters. There were so many avenues that could have or should have been explored and nothing. Bringing in a serial killer and then having him caught and killed five minutes later is a waste.
The author was brave to tackle such an awful situation but for me this book with Erin's recovery was too rushed, the pacing was off and everything almost glossed over by the end there, it all fell short.
This book is supposed to be about Mack and Erin and they've barely been in the same room together for the first 50% of the book and it felt very much like the Beth and Shane show and I found myself resenting them. I remember Shane point blank disregarding Beth's wishes when he felt she needed him. Yet Mack can't! I mean why would Shane stay overnight in her hospital room, fine she doesn't want to see Mack but she's worked almost every day with Sam I'm sure he would have been preferable.
Unfortunately I think the potential for the Series is great but the inconsistencies and character development over the series is lacking and the shine has worn off for me with the last two novellas and now this book. Some of these characters we have been seeing for years at this point and they're not showing any growth or change from book one. I'm looking at you Shane and Beth.
"She's depressed" ummm well she's not going to be chipper it's been a week or less since she was drugged, violently assaulted, cut with a knife bruised, beaten,bitten and raped repeatedly and strangled to almost death by a serial killer. Makes what happened to Beth at anytime look like a walk in the park but she can be simpering and anxiety ridden and coddled like a child years later...
I would love to see the author correct the inconsistencies in these books and flesh out some of the characters a bit more. This story needs a bit more depth and feel to have the emotional impact it should as the characters are great and the stories are compelling. You've got loads of characters women especially who have been through trauma yet there's no talking about it to try and help each other through the pain.
The author was brave to tackle such an awful situation but for me this book with Erin's recovery was too rushed, the pacing was off and everything almost glossed over by the end there, it all fell short.
This book is supposed to be about Mack and Erin and they've barely been in the same room together for the first 50% of the book and it felt very much like the Beth and Shane show and I found myself resenting them. I remember Shane point blank disregarding Beth's wishes when he felt she needed him. Yet Mack can't! I mean why would Shane stay overnight in her hospital room, fine she doesn't want to see Mack but she's worked almost every day with Sam I'm sure he would have been preferable.
Unfortunately I think the potential for the Series is great but the inconsistencies and character development over the series is lacking and the shine has worn off for me with the last two novellas and now this book. Some of these characters we have been seeing for years at this point and they're not showing any growth or change from book one. I'm looking at you Shane and Beth.
"She's depressed" ummm well she's not going to be chipper it's been a week or less since she was drugged, violently assaulted, cut with a knife bruised, beaten,bitten and raped repeatedly and strangled to almost death by a serial killer. Makes what happened to Beth at anytime look like a walk in the park but she can be simpering and anxiety ridden and coddled like a child years later...
I would love to see the author correct the inconsistencies in these books and flesh out some of the characters a bit more. This story needs a bit more depth and feel to have the emotional impact it should as the characters are great and the stories are compelling. You've got loads of characters women especially who have been through trauma yet there's no talking about it to try and help each other through the pain.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2023
⚠️This book should be read with caution. If, you have been abused, or sexually assaulted, especially while you were on a date. You may want to think twice, before reading this book. I was beside myself, and tears were rolling down my cheeks before, I realized I was crying. ⚠️
Erin and Mack’s story was one I had been waiting for. Especially, with all the hard-ass ways, Shane was acting. By warning, Mack off of any relationship with, Erin, that they both may have wanted. And, they both did want it. So, when, Erin finally gets up the nerve to ask, Mack to, the New Year's Eve party, her college friends were getting together for to celebrate the ball dropping, he said, no. She once again feels shattered, at another rejection. Truth be told she would rather stay home, and cozy in her bed, with a cup of tea, and a good book.
But, she had told her roommates, that she hardly sees, that she would be more social for the new year. So, there she goes with three couples, now these are girls who are supposed to, have her back. And yet, all they do is taunt her into drinking. When they know she doesn't drink. When she says no, they all chant embarrassing her, until she does it.
Then, before the ball, even drops, all the couples abandoned her at the bar, all alone and drunk. It’s not until she doesn't show up for work that anyone but, Mack gets a sick feeling that something is wrong. Erin is a creature of habit, everything happens very systematically, and her not showing this late that, and now, Beth and, Sam are at work. Yet, she isn’t, is a tell.
Beth asks, have you called and texted already? When he says yes multiple times. She’s like Please Mack find our girl. He goes to her apartment first, and from what he finds out, he leaves behind his wrath. It’s for their disregard for the single friend they all left behind, and with not one of them checking on her. All of them know she is so shy. From here on out you will have to read this yourself. This becomes an emotional overload. From anger, hate, sorrow, disbelief, fear, pain, sympathy, and then a slow steady recovery. Coming with it is an epiphany of who, and what is important to them. It is such a good book but I won’t lie it was hard at the beginning. But, then you see Mack standing by Erin even though she tries often to push him away.
Erin and Mack’s story was one I had been waiting for. Especially, with all the hard-ass ways, Shane was acting. By warning, Mack off of any relationship with, Erin, that they both may have wanted. And, they both did want it. So, when, Erin finally gets up the nerve to ask, Mack to, the New Year's Eve party, her college friends were getting together for to celebrate the ball dropping, he said, no. She once again feels shattered, at another rejection. Truth be told she would rather stay home, and cozy in her bed, with a cup of tea, and a good book.
But, she had told her roommates, that she hardly sees, that she would be more social for the new year. So, there she goes with three couples, now these are girls who are supposed to, have her back. And yet, all they do is taunt her into drinking. When they know she doesn't drink. When she says no, they all chant embarrassing her, until she does it.
Then, before the ball, even drops, all the couples abandoned her at the bar, all alone and drunk. It’s not until she doesn't show up for work that anyone but, Mack gets a sick feeling that something is wrong. Erin is a creature of habit, everything happens very systematically, and her not showing this late that, and now, Beth and, Sam are at work. Yet, she isn’t, is a tell.
Beth asks, have you called and texted already? When he says yes multiple times. She’s like Please Mack find our girl. He goes to her apartment first, and from what he finds out, he leaves behind his wrath. It’s for their disregard for the single friend they all left behind, and with not one of them checking on her. All of them know she is so shy. From here on out you will have to read this yourself. This becomes an emotional overload. From anger, hate, sorrow, disbelief, fear, pain, sympathy, and then a slow steady recovery. Coming with it is an epiphany of who, and what is important to them. It is such a good book but I won’t lie it was hard at the beginning. But, then you see Mack standing by Erin even though she tries often to push him away.
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