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Three Gray Dots
The second time I witnessed Jackson try and kill himself, he was standing in the surf on the ocean’s edge with a .22 in his right hand.It was September, and I squinted down the coastline, hoping to see someone, anyone, witness what was about to happen.But there was no one.No one would ever know what caused the jagged, broken pieces of Jackson to collide into my world.No one would know the whole story, the true story. Not unless I kept him alive.I had to keep him alive. If he was going to die right then and there, he deserved to know who I really was, not just who I was pretending to be. I closed my eyes, not knowing if what I was about to say was going to help or hurt the situation. “Jackson, I’ve been lying to you this whole time.”Due to graphic scenes and mature content, this book is recommended for readers 18+.
234 pages, Paperback
Published March 26, 2019
866 people are currently reading
1236 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Randis
5 books983 followersAuthor of bestselling novel Spilled Milk: Based On A True Story and new release Pillbillies. Lover of reading, writing, journaling, running and spending tons of time with family.
I love books that move me, make me think and allow powerful relationships with the characters in them. As my husband so eloquently puts it, I am 'Literally the only person he knows who will laugh out loud, gasp or cry while reading.'
I penned my first novel in the hopes to bring peace to myself and in turn have brought peace, healing and understanding to thousands. Thank you for your ongoing and enthusiastic support, it means the world to me.
I love books that move me, make me think and allow powerful relationships with the characters in them. As my husband so eloquently puts it, I am 'Literally the only person he knows who will laugh out loud, gasp or cry while reading.'
I penned my first novel in the hopes to bring peace to myself and in turn have brought peace, healing and understanding to thousands. Thank you for your ongoing and enthusiastic support, it means the world to me.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
April 29, 2020
I thought the story-line in Three Gray Dots was overall a great story that contained some equally great elements but the execution wasn't all there for me. It fell really flat.
There were times where I would get slightly lost or confused in the story and although it didn't take me much effort to get back on track at all, it was still a struggle for me. The past / present POVs threw me for a loop but once I was brought back up to speed I was all good to go. But the fact that I had to do that more than just a few times-- really made it hard for me to like it 100%.
The realest and biggest issue that I had with this story was the character dialogue. It was forced, uncomfortable, and sporadic. I feel like the author really tried to make this a character driven novel but it just couldn't be done due to the forced dialogue.
I loved KL Randis' novel Spilled Milk but for some reason Three Gray Dots was a lot harder for me to digest than the last novel of hers that I read. Three Gray Dots lacked a lot of strong dialogue, it was sporadic and inconsistent, and had no flow what so ever. I loved Jackson though. A male character like him is hard for me not to like. For as short as the book was it shouldn't of taken me that long to finish but because of the constant back and forth I had to force myself to do-- it took a while.
There were times where I would get slightly lost or confused in the story and although it didn't take me much effort to get back on track at all, it was still a struggle for me. The past / present POVs threw me for a loop but once I was brought back up to speed I was all good to go. But the fact that I had to do that more than just a few times-- really made it hard for me to like it 100%.
The realest and biggest issue that I had with this story was the character dialogue. It was forced, uncomfortable, and sporadic. I feel like the author really tried to make this a character driven novel but it just couldn't be done due to the forced dialogue.
I loved KL Randis' novel Spilled Milk but for some reason Three Gray Dots was a lot harder for me to digest than the last novel of hers that I read. Three Gray Dots lacked a lot of strong dialogue, it was sporadic and inconsistent, and had no flow what so ever. I loved Jackson though. A male character like him is hard for me not to like. For as short as the book was it shouldn't of taken me that long to finish but because of the constant back and forth I had to force myself to do-- it took a while.
October 22, 2019
The great reviews of this book are bewildering. I had to force myself to finish it. The book has numerous typos, the dialogue is unnatural and the storyline is disjointed and hard to follow at times. I was bored by the second chapter and only kept reading to see if it would get better. It didn't.
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April 2, 2019This is a good book so far but I"m putting it down for right now.
March 26, 2019
Read this in a day. Couldn’t put it down. I love her writing. From the very first few words, K.L. Randis seems to just pull you in. I loved this book because it showed that love is not always an easy road or journey. It takes work and commitment, and can sometimes be hard. However, it’s always worth it to take a chance.
March 29, 2022
good
Quick, easy read, not too deep or detailed. It was a sweet depiction and reminder about how flawed we all are.
Quick, easy read, not too deep or detailed. It was a sweet depiction and reminder about how flawed we all are.
November 20, 2019
I am finding the main character as very annoying. It is hard for me to keep reading because she just makes me angry at almost every angle. Just as soon as you think she will change, she is back to being the same annoying person she just is. I'm not a fan and find myself anxious to finish so I can go on to my next book.
April 30, 2019
I had high hopes for this one because I absolutely adored her book, Spilled. Maybe the bar is just set too high after that one. I did love the author's writing style. It was beautiful and engrossing and I couldn't help but get sucked into Jackson and Pippa's story. I thought Jackson's PTSD part of the storyline was very powerful and it's a story worth telling. The problem was that we got most of the book from Pippa's POV and she spent most of the time pretending not to know that Jackson even had PTSD. So that part of the storyline was a lot more minor than it should have been. I thought the book would be more about Pippa and Jackson's romance and trying to make a life and work through Jackson's mental issues. But the romance was sorely undeveloped. There was very little kissing and physical contact; that part was just glossed over. They spent a lot of time together in training for Pippa to run the Boston marathon, but that was kind of glossed over too, so we didn't really get to see them get to know each other. And Pippa went through something more than halfway through the book (no spoilers) that should have been even more of a way to bring the characters together since it seemed as though Pippa had a bit of PTSD afterwards. But that part was . . . you guessed it . . . glossed over. There was also an issue with Pippa's job and Jackson's relationship that was never dealt with, so I don't even know why it was talked about. Oh, and more irritating thing? WE NEVER MET PHOENIX!!! I won't reveal who that is, but it freaking ticked me off. Yet another part of the plot that was barely mentioned, despite the fact that Phoenix was supposedly a main part of Pippa's life. I just think that this story was too short and none of the characters or plot points were fully developed. Oh, and there were quite a few typos. This one needs a better editor. This book could have been a lot better.
September 10, 2020
Great potential
I wanted to love this book. And in many ways, I did. Unfortunately, the editing was poor, and it just distracted me way too much. For example, I had a hard time with the repeated use of the word parameter instead of perimeter when referring to a physical boundary during a military operation. Another example was the use of the phrase “end to a means” rather than “means to an end.” There were many grammatical errors as well as words just out of place. I know that for most people, these things aren’t a big deal. But some of us who read are a little cuckoo, admittedly. I’m one of those, so my brain fixates on dumb stuff no matter how much I tell it not to. Also, as a military wife with a disabled vet husband, there were details that were just plain incorrect, and again, my stupid brain got hung up on them. At its core, it was a great book though. I felt like it was a pretty real look at life and didn’t sugarcoat mental illness.
I wanted to love this book. And in many ways, I did. Unfortunately, the editing was poor, and it just distracted me way too much. For example, I had a hard time with the repeated use of the word parameter instead of perimeter when referring to a physical boundary during a military operation. Another example was the use of the phrase “end to a means” rather than “means to an end.” There were many grammatical errors as well as words just out of place. I know that for most people, these things aren’t a big deal. But some of us who read are a little cuckoo, admittedly. I’m one of those, so my brain fixates on dumb stuff no matter how much I tell it not to. Also, as a military wife with a disabled vet husband, there were details that were just plain incorrect, and again, my stupid brain got hung up on them. At its core, it was a great book though. I felt like it was a pretty real look at life and didn’t sugarcoat mental illness.
August 28, 2020
Very interesting inside view of a military veterans life
It's quite interesting to learn how our military personnel have had to deal with the aftermath of war. Just because they are back on US soil does not mean the war is over for them. They are trained in fighting, combat, etc. They aren't trained in how to function with PTSD and other mental issues.
I was a bit confused with Phoenix and her parentage. That came out of left field and wasn't really explained very much. However, this may be what the author was wanting. Would have been nice to see a little more background of Phoenix though.
We must get better as a whole with dealing better with mental health. It's a taboo subject in this current time and we need to make it a subject that is open for discussion and not one that people are ashamed of!!!
It's quite interesting to learn how our military personnel have had to deal with the aftermath of war. Just because they are back on US soil does not mean the war is over for them. They are trained in fighting, combat, etc. They aren't trained in how to function with PTSD and other mental issues.
I was a bit confused with Phoenix and her parentage. That came out of left field and wasn't really explained very much. However, this may be what the author was wanting. Would have been nice to see a little more background of Phoenix though.
We must get better as a whole with dealing better with mental health. It's a taboo subject in this current time and we need to make it a subject that is open for discussion and not one that people are ashamed of!!!
March 27, 2019
A good read.
I hesitate to say that I enjoyed this book - it was very dark in places, very sad and quite harrowing. But it was also hopeful and uplifting at times. It made me cry, but it also made me smile. I loved the two main characters, Pippa and Jackson and the storyline following their individual struggles with PTSD was sympathetically told. I couldn't put the book down. From the first chapter, I just had to know how the story would end, and the more I read, the more I was invested in Pippa and Jackson's story, and desperately hoping for a happy ending.
I hesitate to say that I enjoyed this book - it was very dark in places, very sad and quite harrowing. But it was also hopeful and uplifting at times. It made me cry, but it also made me smile. I loved the two main characters, Pippa and Jackson and the storyline following their individual struggles with PTSD was sympathetically told. I couldn't put the book down. From the first chapter, I just had to know how the story would end, and the more I read, the more I was invested in Pippa and Jackson's story, and desperately hoping for a happy ending.
October 9, 2020
I really wanted to like this book but unfortunately, it was one of my least favorite books of the year. The primary storyline had such great potential but I felt like there were too many additionally storylines going on at once and none of them got the respect, attention, and detail they deserved. This book could have been a series or one that was 200 pages longer. I found myself confused and lost multiple times throughout the book; it was as if I skipped a chapter- details and relevant storyline missing. Sadly, I would not recommend it. Thay being said, "welcome home".
November 9, 2020
A bit too fanciful
I love romance, drama, and happily-ever-after. What I don't love is forced perfection.
Also, damsel-in-distress who just falls over when a man provides security for her is a tired and annoying trope.
Show me your strength, author. Because after what you've endured, you MUST have more than this. Put your own fire into your femme characters. Give us some reality so the happily-ever-after has a ring of truth, and the characters and story will be far more embraceable.
I love romance, drama, and happily-ever-after. What I don't love is forced perfection.
Also, damsel-in-distress who just falls over when a man provides security for her is a tired and annoying trope.
Show me your strength, author. Because after what you've endured, you MUST have more than this. Put your own fire into your femme characters. Give us some reality so the happily-ever-after has a ring of truth, and the characters and story will be far more embraceable.
February 10, 2024
Honestly, this is my least favorite book that I have read this year - thus far. There’s entirely way too many holes throughout the story in addition to things not necessarily “fitting in” or making sense. I also caught quite a few grammatical errors and that instantly ruined it for me - as silly as that may seem. While I did enjoy parts of the book, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I wanted to. I was severely let down. Not to mention that you’re kind of left on a cliff hanger and that’s just a big NO for me, unless there’s another book - of course.
July 13, 2024
I felt like the storyline was good, but it could have been developed better because it was all over the place at times. Pip and Jackson were so back and forth. And some of the things they would do or say just didn't make sense. AND ALL THE GRAMMATICAL ERRORS!!!!!! That is one of my major peeves, and it was so frustrating! Come on now! Don't people check books multiple times before publishing!?!?!?! Geeezzzzz.
June 18, 2019
I'd rate this 2.5 stars ..... I think I was expecting something greater since her other novel, Spilled Milk, was so good....but this just didn't live up to my expectations. There were many points in the story that I had to stop and figure out what was happening and if time had moved on (or the story went back in the past). I felt it wasn't always so cohesive.
January 20, 2020
Moving and meaningful
Touching hard subjects with a truth, grace and love. The characters are well written and you quickly become drawn into their stories. Each of which are filled with a great pain and a great love. It really shows the importance of talking and telling those close to us the truth, no matter how hard it may be.
Touching hard subjects with a truth, grace and love. The characters are well written and you quickly become drawn into their stories. Each of which are filled with a great pain and a great love. It really shows the importance of talking and telling those close to us the truth, no matter how hard it may be.
March 7, 2020
I really had trouble following this book. It seem very disjointed and I am just not sure what story the writer was trying to tell. I really struggled getting trough it thinking it would get better - I was captivated by the authors book Spilled Milk. However this book just did not hold my interest.
October 16, 2020
This book had so much promise, but the flow of the novel was not there.
When I read her other novel Spilled Milk, that was a page turner and I read it in almost 1 day.
This book pace was inconsistent. At times it was great and a real page turner, other times I was forcing myself to keep reading.
When I read her other novel Spilled Milk, that was a page turner and I read it in almost 1 day.
This book pace was inconsistent. At times it was great and a real page turner, other times I was forcing myself to keep reading.
December 27, 2020
PTSD journey
It was hard to read the story as the emotional roller coaster of the characters was challenging. I felt at times as they kept fighting their feelings and it was so hard to see their point. But in the end I discovered that PTSD is a daily struggle and patience is required to be involved with someone who has suffered the unimaginable.
It was hard to read the story as the emotional roller coaster of the characters was challenging. I felt at times as they kept fighting their feelings and it was so hard to see their point. But in the end I discovered that PTSD is a daily struggle and patience is required to be involved with someone who has suffered the unimaginable.
March 17, 2021
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. There were parts that were really good and than it suddenly stopped - it wasn’t developed enough. It needed more in depth character development. The general idea was there but it fell flat. I loved Jackson as a character but it could have just been so much better.
June 17, 2021
PTSD
This story made me realize something about my own PTSD. When you know that your actions have caused others pain, that it also destroys you . A little at first. Then, if you don't work through it and come to a realization that what you did or didn't do, did not cause the pain, it will finish you off.
This story made me realize something about my own PTSD. When you know that your actions have caused others pain, that it also destroys you . A little at first. Then, if you don't work through it and come to a realization that what you did or didn't do, did not cause the pain, it will finish you off.
December 3, 2022
The concept of the story was great, but the details felt lacking. There were many times I felt confused while reading it and would have to go back and re-read only to discover it just didn’t make complete sense. Also there were a glaring amount of grammatical errors which just simply shouldn’t have been overlooked.
May 9, 2019
Overall, an excellent read that I flew through in two days on a recent vacation. I just couldn’t get past all of the typos and errors that were missed in the process of this book getting published. I also wish we got more from Jackson, and possibly got to “meet” Phoenix.
October 5, 2019
Complicated page turner
Wonderful depiction of the way we deal with life tragedies, accidents, and challenges. It's amazing what we're able to accomplish if we have courage, emotional support, and family and friends who believe in us, and help us to believe in ourselves.
Wonderful depiction of the way we deal with life tragedies, accidents, and challenges. It's amazing what we're able to accomplish if we have courage, emotional support, and family and friends who believe in us, and help us to believe in ourselves.
November 17, 2019
Great depiction of 2 events that caused psd
The author brought 2 people together that we're broken from different life events but through therapy and life changes decided to take a chance on each other. Thanks for what to say to veteran's!
The author brought 2 people together that we're broken from different life events but through therapy and life changes decided to take a chance on each other. Thanks for what to say to veteran's!
January 5, 2020
Wow
“You’re allowed to make changes in your own life that benefit you and only you, Pippa. You don’t need permission from anyone and you don’t need to prove your strength every day”
“You’re allowed to make changes in your own life that benefit you and only you, Pippa. You don’t need permission from anyone and you don’t need to prove your strength every day”
October 15, 2020
Eye opening topic
Jackson is alot like the men and women I have met coming home. They are not the same especially those who were really on the ground experiencing the carnage of today's war. Thank you all both todays hero's and to all our Vietnam veterans welcome home.
Jackson is alot like the men and women I have met coming home. They are not the same especially those who were really on the ground experiencing the carnage of today's war. Thank you all both todays hero's and to all our Vietnam veterans welcome home.
November 11, 2020
I would categorize this book as a suspenseful love story. It was good but I’m not someone that can get down with love story. The suspense of the book is what redeemed it for me and got it the four stars. I would say it is worth a read.
November 22, 2020
I've been looking for something different than so many books I have read. I found it in "Three Gray Dots". After reading "Pillbillies" I decided to look for more books by KL Randis. Each book is refreshingly unexpected. I will continue to follow this author.
March 16, 2022
K. L. Randis has a way with writing. This book was dark but such a good read. This, I don't think, was a true to life story, but it could very well have been. Broken people living and surviving life. Great writing, great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews