A terrifying ordeal left her trapped in a prison of her own making.
Ten years ago, Laura Opal endured a four-day-long nightmare that left her broken and traumatized. But the men who hurt her were caught, tried, found guilty and imprisoned, so what’s happening in her apartment building doesn't have anything to do with her. She's sure of it.
Detective Jack Xander is investigating the sudden spate of crimes at an apartment building, but every time he thinks he’s making progress, another assault leads him in a completely different direction. As he hunts for the killer’s real target, Jack is about to come face-to-face with the one true love of his life—the same woman whose heart he shattered.
↝ Trigger warning - mature content, issues of sexual assault/abuse, violence ↜
USA Today bestselling author Jane Blythe writes action-packed romantic suspense and military romance featuring protective heroes and heroines who are survivors. One of Jane's most popular series includes Prey Security, part of Susan Stoker's OPERATION ALPHA world! Writing in that world alongside authors such as Janie Crouch and Riley Edwards has been a blast, and she looks forward to bringing more books to this genre, both within and outside of Stoker's world. When Jane isn't binge-reading she's counting down to Christmas and adding to her 200+ teddy bear collection!
Someone has targeted a specific apartment on each floor of a complex that at first blush could have been unrelated. From a gruesome murder to a physical attack, it was the precise attention to detail that led Jack Xander and his partner to seek who the true target is. What Jack discovered when he knocked on the door of the next suspected victim would bring back the pain and shame of his youth as the shell of a woman he once loved stood before him.
Laura has been a recluse since she was kidnapped and brutally raped and tortured repeatedly for days until hikers became heroes and found her, near death, battered and bloodied. The monsters paid with prison sentences and her nightmare should be over, but she relives it every moment of her life. Now a recluse, afraid of her own shadow and terrified of leaving her self-imposed prison, seeing Jack does more than bring back another nightmare her heart endured, the nightmare of betrayal by her then boyfriend, Jack.
How does Jack convince her that she may be a target once again? She has no reason to trust him, but her life may depend on it. Can Jack prove he is not the boy she once knew? Can he protect her from a monster creeping around in the shadows? Who WILL be his next victim? Is he really after Laura or has Jack let his emotions cloud his judgement?
Mistakes will be made, someone will pay the price. As the victim count rises, Jack must exam his ability to be the cop he knows he is and Laura must gather the courage to take that first step out of her apartment in ten years…and Jane Blythe gives no quarter when it comes to intense, nail-biting suspense in FOUR her latest dark romance that had this reader glued to every page, every detail and cringing at each terrifying scene.
Not for the faint of heart, FOUR puts the evil that man can impose on man right out there in all of its terrible glory. Brilliant plotting, in-your-face action and frustration, this emotionally charged nightmare will leave readers locking their doors and checking the closets, just in case….
I received an ARC edition from Jane Blythe in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Count to Ten - Book 4 Expected Publication Date: July 30, 2017 Publisher: Bear Spots Publications Genre: Romantic Suspense Soon to be available to Pre-order For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
For the past ten years, Laura has been hiding in her apartment after cutting off all contact with the world as she suffered a major traumatic event that almost left her dead. Now though someone has found her and they aren't going without her this time around. To get the message across, he is working his way up the apartment building floors and killing/torturing each of the victims - how she was. The thing is though, she is keeping to herself and is unaware that all the killings, etc. are connected to her. While on holiday a few years back, Detective Jack Xander suffered a tragedy that changed him and he hasn't been able to get close to anyone. It turns out that Laura was, in fact, his childhood sweetheart and the one he regrets letting go. This time though Jack is not going to let anything happen to Laura even if it includes him and his partner Rose being put in the firing line. This book connects to the others as Jack is Ryan's brother. Ryan is the detective that ended up with Sofia Everette. I have to admit, this particular one annoyed me a bit as Laura is quite a frustrating character for me as it's like you don't want anyone to help you, but you are still alright playing the poor me, victim act to something that happened ten years ago and also she's supposed to be a counselor helping others when she can't even help herself with basics like stepping outside her apartment - contradiction much ??. Like always though, this was another excellent romantic suspense/murder mystery in the Count to Ten Series by Jane Blythe and stay tuned for Book #5 - Five.
*Thank you to the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Actual Rating: 3.75
It's been ten years since Laura Opal moved into her current apartment building. Ten years since she was brutally assaulted and left traumatized for the rest of her life. Ten years since she went outside. But now the same apartment building is being plagued by murders and attacks, and detective Jack Xander and his partner can't seem to understand why. Then the investigation leads Jack right to Laura's doorstep, and he can't believe what he sees. He knows her.
I absolutely love this series for how chilling, thrilling, and suspenseful it absolutely is, and this book is no different. Although I thought the reveal for this book was a little less intense and mind-blowing, I still enjoyed the journey there. The plot had its ups and downs; for this book I was actually more invested in the mystery than in the romance, though it was still a nice side dish.
It was great to see characters that we had seen in the previous books, and I had almost forgotten how much I loved them. There are some characters I wish I could know even more about, such as Rose, Jack's detective partner. Nevertheless, character development was a very strong aspect of Four, especially in the main characters. Laura was a character that definitely didn't fit the typical strong female main character role, and I actually liked how unique she was and how the readers could follow her emotional recovery. I really hope we get to see more of her in the next books.
The writing style, as usual, was amazing. The story was written from different points of view; it followed Laura's train of thought, Jacks investigative process, and the person behind the crimes. I especially liked reading from the perpetrator's perspective because it really added a touch of dramatic irony and suspense to the story that made me unable to stop reading.
Overall, I would definitely recommend the series and I love how the author is able to write individual stories that later tie together. Can't wait for book five!
I have been reading the Count to Ten series by Jane Blythe and I am so happy to be back with old friends and meeting new ones. Each story of the series focuses on a particular couple with supporting characters playing their roles. These romantic suspense novels stand alone, but I believe once you start, you won’t be able to stop, so I recommend beginning at the beginning.
I’m back with Jack Xander and we have another dead body. It’s murder!
I love his trusty sidekick Rose.
Jack and Rose are a great team. He has a calming presence and a way to get the most out of the victim’s and witnesses and I love that she deals with the suspects.
He seemed to want a family, yet was haunted by something in his past, keeping him from having a meaningful relationship. She is happy go lucky, enjoying the single life.
Laura is agoraphobic and has spent the last ten years of her life in her apartment, cut off from the outside world…by choice. I know where this is going, but Jane Blythe’s writing draws me in, letting the creepiness and suspense build.
I love the cast of characters that hold each other up when they need support and kick some ass when they are in danger.
The villain…Ooooo I love that evil mofo too. Cocky, sneaky, elusive and bold. How he’ll get the one he wants is a frightening climb to the ultimate goal…her death…and there are those determined to stop him.
I had a couple problems with a characters actions, but, hey, ya never know what you’ll do til you walk in their shoes.
A sense of menace permeates every page…lurking….creating an overwhelming sense of anticipation. I know the shit will hit the fan, I just don’t know when and how. I love the edge of my seat reading, faster and faster fly the words, because I can hardly wait to get there.
I may need a tissue to finish this.
I love damaged characters that rise to the occasion. I love the dark and disturbing, and Jane Blythe is happy to oblige. I love an author jerking my chain, making me know I don’t have all the answers and I was brought up short when the action reached its zenith.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Four by Jane Blythe.
Four is another great book in the Count to Ten series! I seriously couldn't wait to read it! I love all the characters in this series, so it's always nice to see old characters appear in each book. I have to say I wasn't a complete fan of Jack at first. He hurts Laura when he was younger, and while she does eventually forgive him, I give her props for doing so. Because I would have a hard time doing it. Well, what am I talking about?! hahaha You gotta read the book to find out because I'm not giving spoilers away. Regardless, Jack finally got me to like him and this story has such great mystery and suspense that it was difficult to put down. (Meaning, I didn't put it down until I was finished. Lol) I really liked Laura and felt for her and how difficult it had to be to deal with her trauma from her past. Another great book in this series. Looking forward to Five!
4.5 Stars Jack Xander and his partner, Rose Lace, have just been called to a murder in an apartment building that seems to have no reason behind the murder. When there is another murder the next night they begin to try and piece the pieces of the murder together. With subsequent murders they believe they may have an idea of what the killer may be trying to do. Laura Opal was kidnapped 10 years ago and for four days she went through unspeakable horror to escape and then develop agoraphobia. She lives in the apartment buildings where the murders are taking place but has no desire to escape the confines of her apartment. When Jack realizes that Laura is someone from his past that he cared about deeply will he make the case personal? Will Laura forgive Jack for his past mistakes?Detective Can Jack and Rose figure out who the killer is really after while trying to keep Laura safe? This is such a great series and I love that each one is unique and has it’s own spin to tie everything to the past but still move on with it’s own series. Jack was such a good character as he had his flaws, especially in the past. That being said he had grown into a good detective but was puzzled by the murders that seemed to keep coming from the apartment building. He was so sorry for the mistakes that he made in the past and I was shocked that he knew nothing about what had happened to Laura. Laura was a super interesting character as she lived with such an immense fear but at the same time she was super strong willed. I loved that she had her guard up still when it came to Jack and was not about to let him talk her into anything that she did not want to do. As you learn more about what she went through in the past your heart just breaks and I was so glad she got away but it was obvious her horror was not over yet. I was definitely shocked about who the killer turned out to be and why. He was definitely cruel and misguided in his attempt for some sort of revenge. I was sad at the end for sure with what happened but I was glad that Laura was safe and hopefully with the help of Sofia and Annabelle she will be able to overcome her fears. - By Rebecca
This has been my favorite of the series so far. Laura was a character I enjoyed even though at times she really did irk me but given what her character went through was so incredibly traumatic it makes sense that she damaged could that’s the only way to mentally survive her past. Detective Jack sees Laura again after he’s investigating a string of murders happening in her building and once he recognizes her from his past the investigation takes a much more personal turn.
This is the fourth book in the series and I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to say that I have loved this series with each book and the way the author is able to keep you on your toes is an added bonus. This book is about Detective Xander's brother Jack and his high school sweetheart.
I want to say first off I like Laura as a character but she has a lot of issues and I am really wondering what the future holds for them because it definitely isn't going to be a walk in the park. Jack never really goes in further about why he is so depressed and I am wondering if the rest of that will be answered in the next book.
I loved this book as a whole but the one thing that surprised me is that they never connected the suspect in the beginning, when you read the book, you will notice that too. This book was packed with a lot of action and continues to show the previous characters from the series. LOVED IT!
Book Blurb: Detective Jack Xander and his partner are investigating the sudden spate of crimes at an apartment building, but every time they think they’re making progress another assault leads them in a completely different direction. As they hunt for the killer’s real target Jack is about to come face to face with someone from his past he thought he’d never set eyes on again.
Ten years ago Laura Opal endured a four day long ordeal that left her broken and traumatized. But the men who hurt her were caught, tried, found guilty and imprisoned, so what’s happening in her apartment building can't have anything to do with her . . . can it?
Four by Jane Blythe is the fourth book in the Count to Ten series and it is one of my favourite series. Reading these books in order is a must. Four, as with the others in the series is a gripping and terrifying tale. Jane has the knack for writing this genre and keeps you guessing what is going to happen. Just when you think you know, BAM, she throws in a twist full of suspense and action, you didn’t see coming. I love a story that keeps me guessing right until the very end and Jane never disappoints.
Laura has spent the last 10 years of her life living as a prisoner, a prisoner of her own making but by circumstances not of her making. She is living in hell but nothing like the hell and torture she was put through all those years ago. A hell she never thought she would live through. A hell that was so gruesome she was completely broken, one that has still left her completely broken. One where she is a shell of a person barely living, a ghost who is barely surviving.
Detective Jack Zander and his partner Detective Rose Lace are called to a case where a murder has been committed. What at first seems to be a single crime turns out to be part of something much bigger than any of the thought.
But how everything is connected? Will they learn the identity of the person they need to protect before it is too late?
Jane Blythe is a master at weaving a great story. The pain and horror that the characters go through bring out extremely intense emotions. As with all Jane's books, this is one you will not want to walk away from.
I am sucked into this series and I am okay with that lol. Four is Jack's story and he gets a hit with the blast from his past. We still hear from previous characters and that brings this story back home for me. I hurt knowing that that these characters are still recovering from previous horrific events. Jack we find out is battling demons of his own. What can they be? Rose, his partner, tried to get him to open up. He just does not want to burden anyone. I wanted to wrap my arms around Jack and let him let it all out. That is how emotionally connected you get with these characters.
Laura is our main female lead of this story. My heart broke when I read her story. I had tears streaming down my cheeks and wanted to tell Laura one day she will be okay. She is strong enough to take her life back.
When Jack and Laura are together, they lean on each other and make each other stronger. It was amazing to see their connection so strong. With a psychopath on the loose, and after Laura, no one in their circle seems to be safe. The ending was traumatic and I cried even more.
Jane Blythe knows how to write a great suspense/mystery book. I only maybe a handful of favorite authors in this genre and Jane is one of my top favorite! I am addicted to the Count to Ten series. Four is amazingly dramatic, and was written perfectly. The sexy love scenes show you the real chemistry of soulmates that have been lost.
Four is a heartbreaking story of a young college student who was abducted, raped and tortured for four days turning her into an agoraphobic. After this horrendous ordeal, ten years later Laura still stays hidden in the confines of her apartment dealing with the demons of her past.
Detectives Jack and Rose are investigating a crime spree in an apartment building but the killer seems to be playing games with the detectives, sending them in a different direction of his prime target. The killer is angry and out for blood!
As Jack and Rose continue searching for the killers victim, Jack is slapped with blast from the past. Someone he dearly cares about and hurt. Is she the victim that the killer is searching for?
Jack and Rose try to protect Laura as the killer is beginning to become more violet. They are also trying to heal Laura.
The author really knows how to write a fabulous murder mystery thriller!! You feel the pain of the victims. Yet you also feel as though you are part of the detectives team.
Four is focused on Jack Xander, Ryan's brother, whom we've met in the previous books. I love how these are interconnected. We get to learn more about secondary characters while we meet new ones as well.
Jack and his partner, Rose, are the detectives investigating crimes being committed in an apartment building. At first, they don't seem related. In the process of trying to stop a killer, Jack stumbles upon his ex, Laura, and she may very well be the link to solving their case. But at what cost? Laura is the victim of extreme brutality and even after ten years hasn't been able work through her trauma. I mean the men who did those things to her are behind bars, right.... I furiously read this book. It ensnared me from the very beginning and I was held captive until the very end. Suspenseful, raw, real and undeniably un-put-downable! (Is that a word?) I can't wait to see who we'll see in Five.
Now it is time for Jack's book in the Count to Ten series and it does not disappoint!
Someone is terrorizing and killing people in one specific apartment complex, but why? Detective Jack Xander is on the case and he is pretty shocked to see the one person that used to mean more than anyone else in the heart of all that is going on, Laura. Laura is agoraphobic and cannot stand to be outside after a brutal kidnapping years ago, now it seems like someone wants her out in the public eye again.
This book (just like the others in the series) takes a unique spin on romantic suspense. It does not focus on sexual relationships but more so of heartfelt connections and that is what you see with Laura and Jack. The situations that these two get in are terrifying and real and punches to the gut, but spun so freaking eloquently by the author!
All in all, a really enjoyable suspense and murder mystery read!
PS: I received an ARC in return for my honest feedback.
The action intensifies as Jack takes center stage. One again we have a police investigation but this time there's a different twist. How this author keeps coming up with these and executing them is beyond me. The suspense and intrigue is heavy when people in the building start being attacked. I love Jack's partner Rose and that these guys seem to have a partner that keeps them on their toes. This time Jack runs the one who got away and Jack and company are the only ones who are between her and death. This is a great second chance romance from this author. I love that she has been able to keep it interesting and not repetitive during the series and look forward to the next book in the series.
I love this series! Jack Xander and his partner Rose were assigned to investigate crimes that were happening in an apartment building. Someone had been murdered. The next night someone was raped. The following night someone was brutally attacked. Jack and Rose need to find the murderer before someone else gets hurt. while investigating the buildings residents they come across Laura. Jack and Laura knew each other when they were teenagers. Laura could be just what Jack is missing in his life. Jack just has to keep her safe. This story is so good I couldn't put it down. Some scenes were shocking. Some made me cry. I'm hooked and I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is the story of Laura and Jack. High school relationship was ruined by Jack's mistake and in the intervening years they have both experienced some traumatic events. This a twisted story with a horrendous criminal at its centre. You can feel Laura's pain with every word written. Jack is a flawed hero, but all the better for the fact that he accepts his mistakes and will do everything he can to rebuild is connection with Laura. This is a thrilling ride with great characters and a great story. I love the way the characters from previous books in this series are so integral to the story. I'm excited for the next in the series.
Wow what a emotional, dark, intense book! There is apartment complex and people seem to keep on getting murdered that live there. Jack is the officer trying to figure out what is going on. I felt the pain of Laura and I just wanted to hold her and give her strength. Jack I wanted him to find the killer and finally find happiness. I swear these books keep on getting better and better! Amazing 5/5 stars read
Okay having read one to three I thought Jane Blythe couldn’t top the crime stories again but she did. If you thought one to three would nock you off your socks. Four will top it. Continuing with characters already introduced in the previous book you get more insight into them. Trying to solve the mystery will again not be possible until the end. Which is why this is such a good book. Trying to find out what happens in the end will have you not stop reading until you finished this book.
Another brilliant book in the country to 10 series. This time telling the story of Jack and Laura. Jane is certainly not afraid of weaving an incredibly twisted tale the stalker in this book really was the epitome of absolute evil! Laura and Jack also had their own demons to overcome before finding their own happiness. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to catching up with some of the characters in the next installments.
Once again Jane Blythe did it!! Awesome read. On the edge of my seat guessing who I thought who could it be. Can’t wait to read Five. After reading the fourth book in this series, I want to read more in this genre. I love it that much.
This book pulled at my heartstrings so hard! My heart went out to Laura. There was a very sad surprise towRds the end of the book. Jane Blythe is a master storyteller with this book. I couldn’t put it down!
I just love detective Xander. He's amazing and a great detective. This book was amazing. It had me on the edge of my seat. I love Janes books. She's amazing
Intense! - This author somehow manages to keep the surprises coming. I loved this book. I could feel the angst and intense emotions. The story doesn't have the usual hea which I love as it's a lot more realistic. Sometimes bad things just happen to good people and the scars never go away. I highly recommend this series!
This one like the others will pull you in and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride of twisted darkness and a connection of all the characters from the other books of family. Laura and Jack's story intense, has every emotion, feels and twist and turns and keeps your heart pounding till the very end. Another amazing read and can't wait to read the next.
This is such a great series and I love that each one is unique and has it’s own spin to tie everything to the past but still move on with it’s own series.
Jack was such a good character as he had his flaws, especially in the past. That being said he had grown into a good detective but was puzzled by the murders that seemed to keep coming from the apartment building. He was so sorry for the mistakes that he made in the past and I was shocked that he knew nothing about what had happened to Laura.
Laura was a super interesting character as she lived with such an immense fear but at the same time she was super strong willed. I loved that she had her guard up still when it came to Jack and was not about to let him talk her into anything that she did not want to do. As you learn more about what she went through in the past your heart just breaks and I was so glad she got away but it was obvious her horror was not over yet.
I was definitely shocked about who the killer turned out to be and why. He was definitely cruel and misguided in his attempt for some sort of revenge.
I was sad at the end for sure with what happened but I was glad that Laura was safe and hopefully with the help of Sofia and Annabelle she will be able to overcome her fears.
Without a doubt I am addicted to this series. Convoluted crimes are created by this author, ones that at times make you cringe but fascinated as well.
This story features Jack Xander as the main detective involved in trying to solve the crime spree in a certain apartment building. His partner Rose is with him too. Laura is a new character in the series and a victim, enough said as I don’t want to give away too much.
As much as I liked Jack there were times I wanted to shake him too, he annoyed me that much. 🤣 His bossy, aloha, protective manner towards others is great but when it comes to looking after himself he falls short of the mark. His manner does, however, really help with Laura, the main female lead character.
At times, I was quite frustrated because the ‘baddy’ in this was getting away with so much, even though I understood why. When the action heats up- it really becomes intense. You don’t just sit on the edge of your seat, you fidget and speed read because you have to know what’s going to happen, it is that good. So, all in all, everything is balanced in the story.
Be prepared to experience every emotion possible within this one story. Another great book by this author.