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Romantic Suspense #25
Say Goodbye
Eden faces a final reckoning when the cult's past victims hunt them down in this explosive, high-stakes thriller in the Sacramento series from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose.
For decades, Eden has remained hidden in the remote wilds of the Pacific Northwest, “Pastor” keeping his cult's followers in thrall for his personal profit and sexual pleasures. But the Founding Elders are splintering, and Pastor's surrogate son DJ is scheming to make it all his own.
When two of Eden's newest members send out a cry for help, it reaches FBI Special Agent Tom Hunter, whose friend and fellow FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds and his sister, Mercy, are themselves escapees of the Eden cult, targeted by the Founding Elders who want them silenced forever. The three have vowed to find the cult and bring it down, and now, they finally have a solid lead.
Neutralizing Eden’s threat will save captive members and ensure Tom’s new friends can live without fear. But when his best friend, ex-Army combat medic Liza Barkley, joins the case, it puts her life—and their blossoming love—in danger. With everything they hold dear in the balance, Tom and Liza, together with Gideon and Mercy, must end Eden once and for all.
For decades, Eden has remained hidden in the remote wilds of the Pacific Northwest, “Pastor” keeping his cult's followers in thrall for his personal profit and sexual pleasures. But the Founding Elders are splintering, and Pastor's surrogate son DJ is scheming to make it all his own.
When two of Eden's newest members send out a cry for help, it reaches FBI Special Agent Tom Hunter, whose friend and fellow FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds and his sister, Mercy, are themselves escapees of the Eden cult, targeted by the Founding Elders who want them silenced forever. The three have vowed to find the cult and bring it down, and now, they finally have a solid lead.
Neutralizing Eden’s threat will save captive members and ensure Tom’s new friends can live without fear. But when his best friend, ex-Army combat medic Liza Barkley, joins the case, it puts her life—and their blossoming love—in danger. With everything they hold dear in the balance, Tom and Liza, together with Gideon and Mercy, must end Eden once and for all.
597 pages, ebook
First published August 3, 2021
353 people are currently reading
4788 people want to read
About the author
Karen Rose
61 books5,444 followersOFFICIAL WEBSITE:
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
www.karenrosebooks.com
Internationally bestselling, RITA-award winning, author Karen Rose was born and raised in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC. She met her husband, Martin, on a blind date when they were seventeen and after they both graduated from the University of Maryland, (Karen with a degree in Chemical Engineering) they moved to Cincinnati, Ohio. Karen worked as an engineer for a large consumer goods company, earning two patents, but as Karen says, “scenes were roiling in my head and I couldn't concentrate on my job so I started writing them down. I started out writing for fun, and soon found I was hooked.”
Her debut suspense novel, DON'T TELL, was released in July, 2003. Since then, she has published fifteen more novels and two novellas. Her seventeenth novel, ALONE IN THE DARK, will be released in 2016.
Karen's books have appeared on the bestseller lists of the New York Times, USA Today, London's Sunday Times, and Germany's der Spiegel (#1), and the Irish Times, as well as lists in South Africa (#1) and Australia!
Her novels, I'M WATCHING YOU and SILENT SCREAM, received the Romance Writers of America's RITA award for Best Romantic Suspense for 2005 and 2011. Five of her other books have been RITA finalists. To date, her books have been translated into twenty-four languages.
A former high school teacher of chemistry and physics, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of more than twenty years, her two daughters, two dogs, and a cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 393 reviews
August 23, 2021
Tom Hunter's book!!! Yes, YES,
YES!!!!
Tom Hunter, the kid from her very first book, is now all grown up and an FBI Agent. I. Can't. Wait!!
Tom and Liza: Well, I am not in love with these two, at least at first. They have history and are having trouble getting over what happened between the time they met, Tom at 20 and Liza at 17, and their now. In between Tom loved and lost another and Liza married another trying to forget Tom and he died too. Yeah, these two have a lot to work out. Friends to Lovers is a great trope, but there are a lot of pitfalls and Tom and Liza seem determined to fall in all of them.
The cult: "Eden" has hit the FBI hard, but they are on the run, gathering new members along the way. The FBI is not going the stop pursuing them, but DJ, a member from Eden, is determined to clean up the loose ends (kill members who have left, especially Gideon and Mercy) and will not stop. DJ also wants the $50 million that "Pastor" has been building for the past 30 years and when he gets access to the money, he's going to off Pastor.
The first half was a slog, but the second half picked up the pace and, overall, this turned out to be a fairly good book.
Tom and Liza: Well, I am not in love with these two, at least at first. They have history and are having trouble getting over what happened between the time they met, Tom at 20 and Liza at 17, and their now. In between Tom loved and lost another and Liza married another trying to forget Tom and he died too. Yeah, these two have a lot to work out. Friends to Lovers is a great trope, but there are a lot of pitfalls and Tom and Liza seem determined to fall in all of them.
The cult: "Eden" has hit the FBI hard, but they are on the run, gathering new members along the way. The FBI is not going the stop pursuing them, but DJ, a member from Eden, is determined to clean up the loose ends (kill members who have left, especially Gideon and Mercy) and will not stop. DJ also wants the $50 million that "Pastor" has been building for the past 30 years and when he gets access to the money, he's going to off Pastor.
The first half was a slog, but the second half picked up the pace and, overall, this turned out to be a fairly good book.
July 29, 2021
Huge book with many twists and backtracks. The ending made the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is a trip. I have to say I was frustrated throughout most of the story! It is another huge book. The author keeps us dangling throughout with twists and re-directs that made me a bit crazy! Not to mention Tom, who also was the most frustrating thing in this whole book!
One thing is certain and that is Rose does not shy away from violence and crime in this crazy escapade. The body count grows at a quick rate with this wacky group of deranged criminals. I seriously hated most of the people at Eden by the time everything came to a head.
On a good note, the budding feelings, and romance between Tom and Liza make a nice balance to the twists, crime scenes, and violence that comes with the territory called Eden. Even though Tom had me on edge for most of the story, the grand gesture and makeup were worth it all. Plus those heated scenes were perfect.
One issue I had was keeping track of all of the characters. I seriously got lost in there several times and really had to think about who was who. Especially with all of the name changes. Whew!
Loaded with drama, action, and intensity that winds you up, Say Goodbye offers the thrills to keep you on your toes, tempered with an awesome romance at the end. A great ending to this series… Well, I think it is the ending. I could be so wrong!!!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/say-goodbye-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book is a trip. I have to say I was frustrated throughout most of the story! It is another huge book. The author keeps us dangling throughout with twists and re-directs that made me a bit crazy! Not to mention Tom, who also was the most frustrating thing in this whole book!
One thing is certain and that is Rose does not shy away from violence and crime in this crazy escapade. The body count grows at a quick rate with this wacky group of deranged criminals. I seriously hated most of the people at Eden by the time everything came to a head.
On a good note, the budding feelings, and romance between Tom and Liza make a nice balance to the twists, crime scenes, and violence that comes with the territory called Eden. Even though Tom had me on edge for most of the story, the grand gesture and makeup were worth it all. Plus those heated scenes were perfect.
One issue I had was keeping track of all of the characters. I seriously got lost in there several times and really had to think about who was who. Especially with all of the name changes. Whew!
Loaded with drama, action, and intensity that winds you up, Say Goodbye offers the thrills to keep you on your toes, tempered with an awesome romance at the end. A great ending to this series… Well, I think it is the ending. I could be so wrong!!!
* copy received for review consideration
full review - https://amidlifewife.com/say-goodbye-...
July 15, 2021
Whew, this trilogy ended with a bang! I really enjoyed the trajectory of how the story of Eden came to a close, but for me, the romance was really the star of the show. I love a slow burn romance and a friends to lovers trope, and Liza & Tom have been dancing around each other for 10 years. I'm not normally one for angst, but this one angsted so good - I especially appreciate that we join their story right when Liza has reached her breaking point, and we get to see her making hard decisions to move towards what she wants & needs. All around, strong suspense plot and strong romance- a worthy ending to the trilogy
August 6, 2021
Liza’s been in love with FBI Agent, Tom Hunter, since she was seventeen, but they’ve always been in the friend zone. Life happened, Tom got engaged and then lost his fiancée, and Liza enlisted in the Army as a medic, served and came home to start nursing school, but they’ve always stayed close. Obviously, this has been painful for Liza thinking her feelings were never reciprocated. Little does she know that Tom initially felt the same for her, but she was too young at the time, and as I said life happened. Now, seven years later they’re living in the same duplex. Their lives are very intertwined, living next to each other and by both being taken in by the Sokolov’s, a large, loving family in the middle of this Eden drama.
Eden is the cult Gideon and Mercy (last two books) escaped from, but not before suffering abuse at the hands of the leaders. They were somewhat safe before as the leaders thought both were dead, but the cat was let out of the bag and now no one is safe until Eden is brought down for good. I hated the men that ran Eden luring people into a supposedly simpler life to be closer to God, when they were nothing but charlatans and predators! Girls were forced to take a husband at twelve and viewed basically as property. The young boys didn’t fare much better and were subjected to sexual and/or physical abuse as well. And they had no problem killing anyone that defied them either.
In the last book Liza became close to the Sokolov family when she went undercover to question a suspect’s mother. Now she’s in the thick of it again when the killer here takes aim at Mercy and Liza’s quick thinking foils his plans. Tom’s not happy about her involvement, but he knows that Liza is more than capable of protecting herself having had combat experience in the Army. The danger also clarifies his deeper feelings for Liza. Life and death situations have a way of doing that! I love the unrequited-love-troupe and it was done well here. Tom and Liza’s romance was hot and sweet, full of longing. In the middle of all this chaos it was lovely!
Even though Say Goodbye is a long book, there’s never a dull moment and the only reason I didn’t end up finishing in one day is because real life got in the way! I wanted to hunker down and read through! The characters face danger at every turn, with DJ scheming to take out Mercy, Daisy or Gideon and willing to take out anyone willing to get in the way. There’s a lot of side plots and investigations at play and I was invested in every part! I’ve appreciated that in all these stories that the author didn’t write a TSTL heroine! Yes, they’re in danger, but in each case, they take the help offered, and try to prepare for all situations. However, DJ is relentless and doesn’t care about killing anyone to get what he wants. I have to say that there was a moment or two I felt bad for DJ, knowing the abuse he suffered, abuse that was allowed to happen by both of his fathers, and then he’d take away any pity by his actions.
I loved the Sacramento three story arc! It was thrilling and there was danger at every turn, but it was also a well-developed romance with amazing side characters! Say Goodbye seems to wrap up the Sacramento/Eden story arc, and while this is Tom and Liza’s story/romance I think it’s best to read Say You’re Sorry (book 22) and Say No More (book 24) before you read Say Goodbye (book 25). I read one book before in this long series, but it was only marginally connected and I don’t think you need to read any of the previous stories before Say You’re Sorry, the first in the Sacramento series to enjoy Say Goodbye. There was a book in between 22 and 24 (Into the Dark, book 23) that isn’t part of the Sacramento arc.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Eden is the cult Gideon and Mercy (last two books) escaped from, but not before suffering abuse at the hands of the leaders. They were somewhat safe before as the leaders thought both were dead, but the cat was let out of the bag and now no one is safe until Eden is brought down for good. I hated the men that ran Eden luring people into a supposedly simpler life to be closer to God, when they were nothing but charlatans and predators! Girls were forced to take a husband at twelve and viewed basically as property. The young boys didn’t fare much better and were subjected to sexual and/or physical abuse as well. And they had no problem killing anyone that defied them either.
In the last book Liza became close to the Sokolov family when she went undercover to question a suspect’s mother. Now she’s in the thick of it again when the killer here takes aim at Mercy and Liza’s quick thinking foils his plans. Tom’s not happy about her involvement, but he knows that Liza is more than capable of protecting herself having had combat experience in the Army. The danger also clarifies his deeper feelings for Liza. Life and death situations have a way of doing that! I love the unrequited-love-troupe and it was done well here. Tom and Liza’s romance was hot and sweet, full of longing. In the middle of all this chaos it was lovely!
Even though Say Goodbye is a long book, there’s never a dull moment and the only reason I didn’t end up finishing in one day is because real life got in the way! I wanted to hunker down and read through! The characters face danger at every turn, with DJ scheming to take out Mercy, Daisy or Gideon and willing to take out anyone willing to get in the way. There’s a lot of side plots and investigations at play and I was invested in every part! I’ve appreciated that in all these stories that the author didn’t write a TSTL heroine! Yes, they’re in danger, but in each case, they take the help offered, and try to prepare for all situations. However, DJ is relentless and doesn’t care about killing anyone to get what he wants. I have to say that there was a moment or two I felt bad for DJ, knowing the abuse he suffered, abuse that was allowed to happen by both of his fathers, and then he’d take away any pity by his actions.
I loved the Sacramento three story arc! It was thrilling and there was danger at every turn, but it was also a well-developed romance with amazing side characters! Say Goodbye seems to wrap up the Sacramento/Eden story arc, and while this is Tom and Liza’s story/romance I think it’s best to read Say You’re Sorry (book 22) and Say No More (book 24) before you read Say Goodbye (book 25). I read one book before in this long series, but it was only marginally connected and I don’t think you need to read any of the previous stories before Say You’re Sorry, the first in the Sacramento series to enjoy Say Goodbye. There was a book in between 22 and 24 (Into the Dark, book 23) that isn’t part of the Sacramento arc.
A copy was kindly provided by Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Kaip man patiko! 😍Bet tuo pačiu ir gaila, nes tai paskutinė serijos dalis. Per šį laiką susidraugavau ir pamėgau visus veikėjus, nesinori taip greitai jų paleisti. Ši dalis apie Tomą ir Lizą, bei žinoma, visą šutvę, jau pažįstamą iš ankstesnių dalių. Knygos tema vis dar ta pati - surasti ir sunaikinti Edeną, išardyti sektą, nubausti kaltuosius ir išgelbėti nuskriaustuosius. Nors puslapių daug, tačiau net nepajaučiau, kaip jie tirpo, o vakarais (tiksliau pasakius jau naktimis) buvo sunku knygą padėti ir eiti miegoti. Šalia stipraus detektyvo, ne ką prastesnė romantinė linija, truputis humoro ir dramos- štai ir puikios knygos receptas. Gaila, kad tiek mažai yra išversta autorės knygų, jau visas jas perskaičiau, o norėtųsi daugiau🫤
Kaip man patiko! 😍Bet tuo pačiu ir gaila, nes tai paskutinė serijos dalis. Per šį laiką susidraugavau ir pamėgau visus veikėjus, nesinori taip greitai jų paleisti. Ši dalis apie Tomą ir Lizą, bei žinoma, visą šutvę, jau pažįstamą iš ankstesnių dalių. Knygos tema vis dar ta pati - surasti ir sunaikinti Edeną, išardyti sektą, nubausti kaltuosius ir išgelbėti nuskriaustuosius. Nors puslapių daug, tačiau net nepajaučiau, kaip jie tirpo, o vakarais (tiksliau pasakius jau naktimis) buvo sunku knygą padėti ir eiti miegoti. Šalia stipraus detektyvo, ne ką prastesnė romantinė linija, truputis humoro ir dramos- štai ir puikios knygos receptas. Gaila, kad tiek mažai yra išversta autorės knygų, jau visas jas perskaičiau, o norėtųsi daugiau🫤
September 6, 2021
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I am a huge fan of Karen Rose and I've loved every book I've read from her but this book right here is going to be the one to beat. It almost felt like coming full circle now getting Tom Hunter's story after so many years and the little cameos we would see of him growing up. But at the same time this book never made me feel like we were going too far into the past and this was truly Tom and Liza's story on it's own. I actually really appreciated that this book stood on it's own and didn't bring back all of the things from the original books. If you're a new fan or haven't read those first few books from Ms. Rose, well first you definitely should go read them, but starting this first you won't even notice that there was a past with Tom and Liza that you could have read about.
This book also brings to an end the big-bad from the Sacramento books and it was such a rollercoaster ride getting to the end. So many suspenseful moments that had me gripping my kindle just dying to see what was going to happen. Even when I had my ideas on what I thought would happen next I was still surprised by things and I loved that about the book.
Between all of the mystery we still got a lot of Tom and Liza's friendship/relationship and I thought it was a really great blend of everything coming together. This will definitely be a re-read book for me and I'm already really excited to go back and read some of my favorites from Ms. Rose. Every time I read a new book from her it just makes me want to experience all of the books all over again.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I am a huge fan of Karen Rose and I've loved every book I've read from her but this book right here is going to be the one to beat. It almost felt like coming full circle now getting Tom Hunter's story after so many years and the little cameos we would see of him growing up. But at the same time this book never made me feel like we were going too far into the past and this was truly Tom and Liza's story on it's own. I actually really appreciated that this book stood on it's own and didn't bring back all of the things from the original books. If you're a new fan or haven't read those first few books from Ms. Rose, well first you definitely should go read them, but starting this first you won't even notice that there was a past with Tom and Liza that you could have read about.
This book also brings to an end the big-bad from the Sacramento books and it was such a rollercoaster ride getting to the end. So many suspenseful moments that had me gripping my kindle just dying to see what was going to happen. Even when I had my ideas on what I thought would happen next I was still surprised by things and I loved that about the book.
Between all of the mystery we still got a lot of Tom and Liza's friendship/relationship and I thought it was a really great blend of everything coming together. This will definitely be a re-read book for me and I'm already really excited to go back and read some of my favorites from Ms. Rose. Every time I read a new book from her it just makes me want to experience all of the books all over again.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
August 9, 2021
This is an entertaining, well-written, fast paced, romantic suspense novel. It is an intense, gripping thriller, with likable, engaging characters, a strong, former military female protagonist, a former NBA star FBI agent male protagonist, strong friendships, and a heart-warming romance. It is the third and final entry in Ms. Rose's outstanding Sacramento series, and can be enjoyed as a stand alone, but is best when read after reading "Say You're Sorry" and "Say No More". I have read every one of Ms. Rose's twenty-five amazing novels, and she never disappoints her readers! I am looking forward to reading her next novel with great anticipation.
August 15, 2021
It’s hard to fathom how Karen Rose keeps all the different characters straight in her head as she writes these wicked cases. The Sacramento Series packed so many characters and details into three over-sized books. A highly detailed storyline that comes alive with a diversely interwoven cast of characters. It was easy to become emotionally invested in these compelling people and their lives. The Sokolov family has become one of my very favorites from all her series.
In the first two books of this trilogy, Say You're Sorry and Say No More, Rose also introduced readers to some of the vilest of villains who show absolutely no mercy to their victims in the “Eden” case. They are the darkest side of humanity and simply leave an impact because they have no limits to their reign of evil and terror. This book should come with a warning. It’s not for the faint-hearted with one villain in particular unleashing a bloodbath on so many innocent and unsuspecting victims with very few survivors.
Rose’s bad guys are truly in the driver’s seat when it comes to driving the action. Strong and worthy adversaries to her heroes. They are villains who possess the qualities that readers love to hate. Nothing makes a hero more heroic than a worthy adversary – and Rose’s heroes and villains are some of the best examples.
And as the series wraps up in Say Goodbye, Rose has another surprise for readers when she brings back a favorite young male character from her first romantic suspense novel, Don’t Tell, published way back in 2008. Tom Hunter, who as a young boy, suffered his own emotional trauma-drama, along with his mom, is now all grown-up and working as an FBI Special Agent assigned to the “Eden case.”
Who doesn’t love getting lost in a thick twisted plot, especially if it includes a romance worth melting for? Liza Barkley has been crazy about Tom since she was seventeen years old – but he thought of himself as too old for her. She is strong, determined and very bright – and never gave up even as the years passed. Now they cross paths once again. Her intelligence keeps Tom on his toes, and it was satisfyingly appealing how he praised and acknowledged her abilities. The woman has an iron will. A heroine – a Purple Heart recipient – and worthy of applauds and cheers.
Now it's time for Tom Hunter to find a happy ever after. For me, the one and only downside of this entire book was how far into the book it was before Special Agent Hunter finally acknowledged that he and Liza were indeed a perfect match-up.
A long 3rd installment (630 pages) ends the Sacramento Series. I really hate to “say goodbye” to this group of family/friends that have thrilled and amazed, energized and enthralled, and welcomed us into their homes and made us a part of their family and circle of friends. I’m going to miss all those awesome sweet treats baked daily in the Sokolov kitchen.
A dynamite conclusion wrapped up in a stellar and masterful topnotch trio of books. This author remains at the top of her game and continues to climb. I can’t wait for info on what’s up next from Karen Rose. I’m always on pins and needles awaiting the surprises she springs on readers.
August 5, 2021
Say Goodbye is the third and final instalment in The Sacramento trilogy featuring basketball player turned FBI Special Agent Tom Hunter and his best friend, Army Medic Liza Barkley. For decades, Eden has remained hidden in the remote wilds of the Pacific Northwest, “Pastor” keeping his cult's followers in thrall for his personal profit and sexual pleasures. But the Founding Elders are splintering, and Pastor's surrogate son DJ Belmont is scheming to make it all his own. Tom is determined to close down Eden, the violent, corrupt and wealthy religious cult that victimised his friends FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds and his sister Mercy Callahan as children. So when two of the cults latest members want out and sent out a cry for help, who better than to aid them than the previous escapees. But they must be careful not to bring attention to the case as the Founding Elders are holding the disillusioned pair - pregnant teenager Hayley Gibbs and her 12-year-old brother, Graham - hostage at their compound in northern California; unfortunately thanks to the secrecy of the group no one actually knows exactly where the headquarters is located.
Gideon, Mercy and Tom, as well as Liza, have vowed to find the cult and bring it down, and now, they finally have a solid lead. They decide that the way forward is for Liza to use her medical skill to go undercover as a nursing assistant in a private hospital as it'll not raise any suspicion given her knowledge of that field. A current patient at the hospital is Eden’s leader, the Pastor, who is recuperating with his second in command DJ, the one with a penchant for murder. As DJ slaughters those he deems slanderous and to be putting the cult he will inherit at risk, Tom and Liza realise the situation has just become a whole lot more perilous than they initially thought and they come to understand that the spark between them has just ignited right in time for them to fight for their survival together. This is compulsive and enthralling romantic suspense and a race against time to save the hostages, all wrapped up in a wickedly twisty, edge of your seat thrill ride. It never lets up from beginning to end and Rose knows how to bring the drama, the danger and a hint of romance and weave it into a spectacular finale to the series. Highly recommended.
Gideon, Mercy and Tom, as well as Liza, have vowed to find the cult and bring it down, and now, they finally have a solid lead. They decide that the way forward is for Liza to use her medical skill to go undercover as a nursing assistant in a private hospital as it'll not raise any suspicion given her knowledge of that field. A current patient at the hospital is Eden’s leader, the Pastor, who is recuperating with his second in command DJ, the one with a penchant for murder. As DJ slaughters those he deems slanderous and to be putting the cult he will inherit at risk, Tom and Liza realise the situation has just become a whole lot more perilous than they initially thought and they come to understand that the spark between them has just ignited right in time for them to fight for their survival together. This is compulsive and enthralling romantic suspense and a race against time to save the hostages, all wrapped up in a wickedly twisty, edge of your seat thrill ride. It never lets up from beginning to end and Rose knows how to bring the drama, the danger and a hint of romance and weave it into a spectacular finale to the series. Highly recommended.
June 19, 2021
FAVOURITE BOOK OF THE YEAR.
I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the third book in the Sacramento series, and I am so happy that I was given a chance to read this one before pub day.
Karen Rose is an absolute favourite of mine and I have all her books and have re-read them many times. Each year it’s torture waiting for the next instalment – I need to know what is going on with my favourite fictional family!
All my KR reviews mention the fact that the thing that draws me in and keeps me in, is the massively complex and lovely family/friends web that she has created. The books are all intertwined throughout various families, and link to one another in some way. This new book is no exception – while being the third in the sub series for Sacramento – we go back to some favourites from earlier sub series' too.
SAY GOODBYE is Tom Hunter’s story. Tom Hunter from book one – DON’T TELL – way back when. We were introduced to him as a terrified young boy, on the run from his violent father, with his abused mother, and ending up being rescued by Max Hunter and Dana Dupinsky. SAY GOODBYE completes his storyline with Liza, his best friend of 7 years and the woman he’s loved since he met her all those years ago. She was only 17 and he 20 when they met so of course a relationship was off limits, but now they are much older, wiser and desperately in love with each other – even if neither of them know it!
The writing is fast paced, there is a lot of action, as with all KR’s books. The bad guy is really bad and from a cult called Eden. Eden has been the focus of the previous two in the series, where Mercy and Gideon escaped and we had their stories. It’s all resolved in this one and the ending is fab. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to tie it all up.
Congratulations KR on another fantastic instalment, and I am already anticipating the next… Who’s story will it be??
Do yourself a favour and pick this one up if you want action, love, family and friendship bonds like no other, and generally a heart stopping thrill ride. A bit softer on the steam this time, but it’s still there simmering away in the background. You’ll be swept up in the group dynamics and just want to be a part of this huge family KR has created.
Can’t recommend this more. Go read it. And also read all her others, in any order, but I’d recommend in order.
Thank you to the publishers for my copy.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the third book in the Sacramento series, and I am so happy that I was given a chance to read this one before pub day.
Karen Rose is an absolute favourite of mine and I have all her books and have re-read them many times. Each year it’s torture waiting for the next instalment – I need to know what is going on with my favourite fictional family!
All my KR reviews mention the fact that the thing that draws me in and keeps me in, is the massively complex and lovely family/friends web that she has created. The books are all intertwined throughout various families, and link to one another in some way. This new book is no exception – while being the third in the sub series for Sacramento – we go back to some favourites from earlier sub series' too.
SAY GOODBYE is Tom Hunter’s story. Tom Hunter from book one – DON’T TELL – way back when. We were introduced to him as a terrified young boy, on the run from his violent father, with his abused mother, and ending up being rescued by Max Hunter and Dana Dupinsky. SAY GOODBYE completes his storyline with Liza, his best friend of 7 years and the woman he’s loved since he met her all those years ago. She was only 17 and he 20 when they met so of course a relationship was off limits, but now they are much older, wiser and desperately in love with each other – even if neither of them know it!
The writing is fast paced, there is a lot of action, as with all KR’s books. The bad guy is really bad and from a cult called Eden. Eden has been the focus of the previous two in the series, where Mercy and Gideon escaped and we had their stories. It’s all resolved in this one and the ending is fab. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to tie it all up.
Congratulations KR on another fantastic instalment, and I am already anticipating the next… Who’s story will it be??
Do yourself a favour and pick this one up if you want action, love, family and friendship bonds like no other, and generally a heart stopping thrill ride. A bit softer on the steam this time, but it’s still there simmering away in the background. You’ll be swept up in the group dynamics and just want to be a part of this huge family KR has created.
Can’t recommend this more. Go read it. And also read all her others, in any order, but I’d recommend in order.
Thank you to the publishers for my copy.
www.thebeautifulbookbreak.com
November 20, 2024
Ištark sudie 📖🕊
Ištisus dešimtmečius Edenas slapstosi nuošaliuose Šiaurės Kalifornijos užkampiuose. Kulto vadeiva, pasivadinęs Pastoriumi, pasekėjais naudojasi finansiniams ir seksualiniams poreikiams tenkinti.
Laikui bėgant, tarp Edeno įkūrėjų daugėja nesutarimų, o Pastoriaus įsūnis Didžėjus rimtai nusiteikęs pasiglemžti milžinišką turtą, nuslėptą nuo bendruomenės.
Agentas Tomas Hanteris ryžtingai nusiteikęs surasti Edeną ir išlaisvinti žmones, taip pat pasiekti, kad buvusios kulto aukos galėtų gyventi be baimės. Tačiau kai prie pavojingų paieškų savanoriškai prisideda jo geriausia draugė, buvusi kariuomenės medikė Liza Barkli, jos gyvybei ir jųdviejų meilei iškyla pavojus.
Rizikuodami viskuo, kas brangu, Tomas ir Liza, padedami atsidavusios komandos, pasiryžta visiems laikams išdraskyti nusikaltėlių lizdą.
Perskaičiau visas 3 dalis šios rašytojos apie Edeno kultą.
Tikrai nebuvo nuobodu skaityti šią seriją. 📚
Patiko labai ❤️
Ištisus dešimtmečius Edenas slapstosi nuošaliuose Šiaurės Kalifornijos užkampiuose. Kulto vadeiva, pasivadinęs Pastoriumi, pasekėjais naudojasi finansiniams ir seksualiniams poreikiams tenkinti.
Laikui bėgant, tarp Edeno įkūrėjų daugėja nesutarimų, o Pastoriaus įsūnis Didžėjus rimtai nusiteikęs pasiglemžti milžinišką turtą, nuslėptą nuo bendruomenės.
Agentas Tomas Hanteris ryžtingai nusiteikęs surasti Edeną ir išlaisvinti žmones, taip pat pasiekti, kad buvusios kulto aukos galėtų gyventi be baimės. Tačiau kai prie pavojingų paieškų savanoriškai prisideda jo geriausia draugė, buvusi kariuomenės medikė Liza Barkli, jos gyvybei ir jųdviejų meilei iškyla pavojus.
Rizikuodami viskuo, kas brangu, Tomas ir Liza, padedami atsidavusios komandos, pasiryžta visiems laikams išdraskyti nusikaltėlių lizdą.
Perskaičiau visas 3 dalis šios rašytojos apie Edeno kultą.
Tikrai nebuvo nuobodu skaityti šią seriją. 📚
Patiko labai ❤️
March 17, 2022
I've read all of Karen's novels, she is an auto-buy author for me...but I didnt gel with this one so much. It took me until at least halfway to really get stuck into the story but it did pick up from there. Lots of action and LOTS of characters to keep up with. Karen tends to write mini-series and this one just hasn't been my favourite overall and I'm kind of pleased this was the last one to wrap this series up!
February 22, 2023
Molto soddisfacente conclusione di una bellissima trilogia. Peccato che dopo quella dedicata a Daniel Vartanian non sia più stato tradotto nulla in italiano... comunque, ora ho visto che riesco a godermi questi RS anche in lingua originale e ne leggerò sicuramente altri; alcuni li ho già comprati scontati...
Per quanto riguarda questo libro, come ho già detto, conclude perfettamente la trilogia, che va letta in ordine per poterla gustare meglio. Fanno qui un'apparizione i protagonisti di libri precedenti, come capita spesso con questa autrice: qui addirittura c'è la protagonista del primo libro in assoluto. Comunque sia, ciò avviene in una maniera tale che non è necessario aver letto i suddetti libri precedenti per apprezzare questi personaggi.
I due protagonisti di questa storia sono davvero figure complesse, ma accattivanti. Spero di incontrarli di nuovo in futuro.
Per quanto riguarda questo libro, come ho già detto, conclude perfettamente la trilogia, che va letta in ordine per poterla gustare meglio. Fanno qui un'apparizione i protagonisti di libri precedenti, come capita spesso con questa autrice: qui addirittura c'è la protagonista del primo libro in assoluto. Comunque sia, ciò avviene in una maniera tale che non è necessario aver letto i suddetti libri precedenti per apprezzare questi personaggi.
I due protagonisti di questa storia sono davvero figure complesse, ma accattivanti. Spero di incontrarli di nuovo in futuro.
August 4, 2021
There is still a lot going on with Eden in this one, but things do finally come to an end with the cult. So much comes out about the cult and maybe why so many are hiding there. In the end, I feel for the innocent people that were there and damaged, but at least that stops now and the really bad guys are dealt with, even if one of them really had the main characters hopping in this book.
Tom has been around the series for a long time, we've seen him grow up, so it's fun to see him at the center of this one. Liza was fun too, but I hated how much she hurt for her feelings for Tom, how she was pushed away, wasn't sure that anything could/would come between them. It was rough and they both had to share secrets, all the time while they were dodging a killer and looking for the people at Eden. Finally when they were both on the same page it was explosive! I loved how the whole Sokolov had bets going and let them know. Tom was outraged, Liza...not so much.
Tom has been around the series for a long time, we've seen him grow up, so it's fun to see him at the center of this one. Liza was fun too, but I hated how much she hurt for her feelings for Tom, how she was pushed away, wasn't sure that anything could/would come between them. It was rough and they both had to share secrets, all the time while they were dodging a killer and looking for the people at Eden. Finally when they were both on the same page it was explosive! I loved how the whole Sokolov had bets going and let them know. Tom was outraged, Liza...not so much.
August 20, 2021
- I was so excited about this book because I love the series as a whole so much
- friends to lovers is usually my favorite romance trope but I don't know, I didn't like it here. I hated how they couldn't even be friends and wouldn't really talk to each other during 2/3 of the book
- I hate that everything is repeated a million times
- I still think the ending was quite satisfying (after Tom and Liza finally got together), even though the showdown was a bit extreme with her nearly falling of a cliff and him holding her AND shooting the bad guy. Why are all of them superhuman?
- friends to lovers is usually my favorite romance trope but I don't know, I didn't like it here. I hated how they couldn't even be friends and wouldn't really talk to each other during 2/3 of the book
- I hate that everything is repeated a million times
- I still think the ending was quite satisfying (after Tom and Liza finally got together), even though the showdown was a bit extreme with her nearly falling of a cliff and him holding her AND shooting the bad guy. Why are all of them superhuman?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2021
Dnf pgs 284 He can't love anyone else. She can't. Nobody is working together. Woe is me, woe is me, woe is me.... repeat. Then half is the bad guys and I keep flipping pgs so after 2hrs... I give up.
I knew better. Her writing and I don't work. So don't take my opinion. I tried it solely for Tom.
I knew better. Her writing and I don't work. So don't take my opinion. I tried it solely for Tom.
March 12, 2024
Überzeugen konnte mich die Romanze leider überhaupt nicht und auch der Rest war nicht mehr so spannend wie am Anfang.
Ihre Bücher sind mir mittlerweile tatsächlich einfach zu lang. Hab die letzten Seiten auch noch überflogen.
Fast 800 Seiten sind schon ne Nummer.
Ihre Bücher sind mir mittlerweile tatsächlich einfach zu lang. Hab die letzten Seiten auch noch überflogen.
Fast 800 Seiten sind schon ne Nummer.
![Profile Image for julia ☆ [owls reads].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1636739475i%2F5520447._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
August 6, 2021
#1 Say You're Sorry: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#2 Say No More: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
4 stars!
*
I had so many expectations for Say Goodbye and the book met almost all of them. Karen Rose's writing was as engrossing as ever--I love how I was hooked from the very first chapter and couldn't wait to see how everything was going to come together: from the mystery to the romance between Tom and Liza.
I've really enjoyed the overall series arc regarding Eden and I was super concerned about how it was going to come to an end. The plot was very well developed and the pace held steady throughout. There were quite a few tense moments and a little bit of action that served to made me super nervous lol I wasn't expecting some of the twists to go the way they did, but I was pretty happy and entertained by it all.
Tom and Liza were great characters and I loved their POVs, but! I could have done without the lack of communication between them through the first half of the book. I did understand that there was a lot of grief involved in what they were both going through? But it frustrated me. I was really happy when they finally got together, though!
My one big complaint would be the ending, I think. Since the main conflict has been the same throughout the entire series--Eden and the people in charge of it--I had expected to get a little bit more of the aftermath of Eden being gone? And how the characters dealt with it, specially Gideon and Mercy. I was pretty disappointed that wasn't really addressed at all and how much that must have meant for them.
Even so, this was a pretty good read and I'm, overall, happy with how everything turned out for everyone. :D
*
Series: #3 in the Sacramento series.
POV: Told mostly from Tom and Liza's POV.
Content Warnings:
Steam: Very light!
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
#2 Say No More: ★★★★★ | 5 stars
4 stars!
*
"You’ve earned every bit of happiness."
I had so many expectations for Say Goodbye and the book met almost all of them. Karen Rose's writing was as engrossing as ever--I love how I was hooked from the very first chapter and couldn't wait to see how everything was going to come together: from the mystery to the romance between Tom and Liza.
I've really enjoyed the overall series arc regarding Eden and I was super concerned about how it was going to come to an end. The plot was very well developed and the pace held steady throughout. There were quite a few tense moments and a little bit of action that served to made me super nervous lol I wasn't expecting some of the twists to go the way they did, but I was pretty happy and entertained by it all.
Tom and Liza were great characters and I loved their POVs, but! I could have done without the lack of communication between them through the first half of the book. I did understand that there was a lot of grief involved in what they were both going through? But it frustrated me. I was really happy when they finally got together, though!
My one big complaint would be the ending, I think. Since the main conflict has been the same throughout the entire series--Eden and the people in charge of it--I had expected to get a little bit more of the aftermath of Eden being gone? And how the characters dealt with it, specially Gideon and Mercy. I was pretty disappointed that wasn't really addressed at all and how much that must have meant for them.
Even so, this was a pretty good read and I'm, overall, happy with how everything turned out for everyone. :D
*
Series: #3 in the Sacramento series.
POV: Told mostly from Tom and Liza's POV.
Content Warnings:
Steam: Very light!
Cliffhanger: No.
HEA:
July 27, 2021
The "Pastor" of a cult known as Eden has kept the cult hidden for decades, all while amassing millions of dollars. In additon to robbing his members blind, he also was quite illicit on a sexual nature. As of late, his surrogate son DJ has a different plan and he intends on taking the "Pastor" for everything he has.
Meanwhle, FBI Special Agent Tom Hunter is working along with former cult member, fellow FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds, and his sister Mercy, to bring the cult down once and for all. Liza Barkley is ex-Army and she joins the fight. Meanwhile she and Tom have been forging a romantic relationship, albeit several years in the making. Can this team of four do whatever it takes - no matter the danger - to find the location of the cult, save its members and bring it all to a close once and for all?
Meanwhile, the "Pastor" is seriously injured, thus giving DJ the chance to get ahold of the millions he is aware of. However, no matter how intense his efforts, DJ is thwarted every step of the way.
What a thrilling end to an exciting trilogy! I definitely have been recommending this compelling book to fellow readers to read this series in order. There is so much about this cult and what happened to people like Gideon and Mercy, as well as digging into some of the member's pasts, that this series should indeed be read in order.
One thing that Karen Rose does well in this series is to complete stories that started in the first book. One excellent example is that of Tom Hunter, and his connection with the cult. Also, Gideon and Mercy's past and reunion and how they are working so hard and so well together now. Each story also has a romantic element as well. I reviewed the first two books in this series, Say You're Sorry and Say Goodbye, here.
Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Meanwhle, FBI Special Agent Tom Hunter is working along with former cult member, fellow FBI Special Agent Gideon Reynolds, and his sister Mercy, to bring the cult down once and for all. Liza Barkley is ex-Army and she joins the fight. Meanwhile she and Tom have been forging a romantic relationship, albeit several years in the making. Can this team of four do whatever it takes - no matter the danger - to find the location of the cult, save its members and bring it all to a close once and for all?
Meanwhile, the "Pastor" is seriously injured, thus giving DJ the chance to get ahold of the millions he is aware of. However, no matter how intense his efforts, DJ is thwarted every step of the way.
What a thrilling end to an exciting trilogy! I definitely have been recommending this compelling book to fellow readers to read this series in order. There is so much about this cult and what happened to people like Gideon and Mercy, as well as digging into some of the member's pasts, that this series should indeed be read in order.
One thing that Karen Rose does well in this series is to complete stories that started in the first book. One excellent example is that of Tom Hunter, and his connection with the cult. Also, Gideon and Mercy's past and reunion and how they are working so hard and so well together now. Each story also has a romantic element as well. I reviewed the first two books in this series, Say You're Sorry and Say Goodbye, here.
Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
January 18, 2022
I had no idea there was such a genre as romantic thriller.
I don't like it.
This book would easily be a third shorter and more enjoyable if the stupid Tom-Liza romance were skipped. All the pining, and then all the sex. Ugh.
As for the story, it was engaging enough. Too many people that it did seem I need to read the previous books to understand.
And why is it in books and movies that a killer will kill a lot of people without hesitation or remorse, and then don't for one key character. It's dumb and insulting.
Read it? Sure, why not. Skim the romance crap as I did. Unless you like that kind of thing.
I don't like it.
This book would easily be a third shorter and more enjoyable if the stupid Tom-Liza romance were skipped. All the pining, and then all the sex. Ugh.
As for the story, it was engaging enough. Too many people that it did seem I need to read the previous books to understand.
And why is it in books and movies that a killer will kill a lot of people without hesitation or remorse, and then don't for one key character. It's dumb and insulting.
Read it? Sure, why not. Skim the romance crap as I did. Unless you like that kind of thing.
October 18, 2024
Leider eines der schlechtesten Bücher der Reihe ...
Read
April 29, 2024Rezension zu "Tränenschwur" von Karen Rose, Übersetzung: Andrea Brandl
Teil 3 der Sacramento-Reihe und somit leider leider leider das Staffelfinale um die Sekte Church of Second Eden.
Ich bedauere es wirklich sehr, dass diese Reihe mit dem dritten Teil ihr Ende findet. Auch wenn sie unangenehm und oftmals atemraubend war, die Charaktere habe ich dennoch ins Herz geschlossen und hoffe sehr, von ihnen in anderen Teilen wieder lesen zu dürfen.
Liza und Tom, zwei mutige, starke Protagonisten. Die sich seit Jahren lieben, beide andere Personen heirateten und beide schnell verwitwet wurden und sich (wieder) ineinander verliebten.
Ja, was soll ich noch sagen? Ich habe diese Trilogie so gerne gelesen. Trotz der vielen Seiten eines jeden Teils habe ich die Bücher, insbesondere Tränenschwur, nur so verschlungen. Adrenalin, Spicy-Szenen, Lachanfälle und einfach eine Menge an Gefühlen haben mich beim Lesen begleitet.
Schade, dass die Reihe endet. Aber ich bin mir sicher, sie wird lange bei mir im Kopf bleiben.
Von mir gibts für diesen Teil sowie für die gesamte Trilogie eine Leseempfehlung.
Buchdetails: erschienen am 01.03.2024 im Knaur HC Verlag - 800 Seiten - gelesen als Paperback (18,99 €)
Teil 3 der Sacramento-Reihe und somit leider leider leider das Staffelfinale um die Sekte Church of Second Eden.
Ich bedauere es wirklich sehr, dass diese Reihe mit dem dritten Teil ihr Ende findet. Auch wenn sie unangenehm und oftmals atemraubend war, die Charaktere habe ich dennoch ins Herz geschlossen und hoffe sehr, von ihnen in anderen Teilen wieder lesen zu dürfen.
Liza und Tom, zwei mutige, starke Protagonisten. Die sich seit Jahren lieben, beide andere Personen heirateten und beide schnell verwitwet wurden und sich (wieder) ineinander verliebten.
Ja, was soll ich noch sagen? Ich habe diese Trilogie so gerne gelesen. Trotz der vielen Seiten eines jeden Teils habe ich die Bücher, insbesondere Tränenschwur, nur so verschlungen. Adrenalin, Spicy-Szenen, Lachanfälle und einfach eine Menge an Gefühlen haben mich beim Lesen begleitet.
Schade, dass die Reihe endet. Aber ich bin mir sicher, sie wird lange bei mir im Kopf bleiben.
Von mir gibts für diesen Teil sowie für die gesamte Trilogie eine Leseempfehlung.
Buchdetails: erschienen am 01.03.2024 im Knaur HC Verlag - 800 Seiten - gelesen als Paperback (18,99 €)
August 5, 2021
This was an amazing finale to this very intriguing series. More information comes out about the cult known as Eden and its members. FBI Agent Tom Hunter has a personal stake in bringing down this awful group of people. When two new members of the cult reach out for help, the entire group, along with multiple government agencies, team up to try to finally bring an end to this organization. Teaming with Army medic Liza Barkley, who goes undercover to assist with the dismantling of Eden, everyone is working against an enemy that they have no idea is so close to them and the ones they love. Tom and Liza are fighting against an explosive attraction they share. Both have had traumatic events happen in their lives that have left them damaged. I adored these two together. They are both so broken, but they soon realize what they are missing out on by being overly cautious. This is a long book, but so very worth each and every page. I absolutely could not get enough of this series. It is outstanding!
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
August 8, 2021
Justice was finally meted out to the cult known as Eden. Say Goodbye wraps up the 3 book Sacramento series which main focus was the Preacher and and his cult followers. This book also features Tom Hunter who was actually introduced as a young boy in the very first book from Karen Rose. I liked that the author went back and gave us an original characters story now they he is all grown up and a FBI agent.
Now that this trilogy is complete looking forward to seeing what's next.
ps.. If the publisher reads these reviews - I love Karen Rose but this ebook book was not worth $14.99.. I hope that all future books are not going to be this inflated price.
Now that this trilogy is complete looking forward to seeing what's next.
ps.. If the publisher reads these reviews - I love Karen Rose but this ebook book was not worth $14.99.. I hope that all future books are not going to be this inflated price.
August 20, 2021
As usual a horrible "bad guy" and some very great loveable characters. I found the romance part a little slow - that friends to lovers thing was slow! Brought this trilogy to a satisfying end.
April 13, 2024
3.5 ⭐
June 13, 2021
I was so excited for this book and loved staying on edge. I’ve read every book by Karen Rose and I often re read them all, they are that good. She’s the queen of romantic suspense. Will they ever find Eden? It’s a cult and this story starts off with Hayley and Graham being forced into Eden by their Mom. I went through so many emotions. Loved that we get Tom Hunter all grown up. He was so smart, why is he clueless to his feelings about Liza? Everyone else seems to know it. Can he keep her safe? She’s in the crosshairs of DJ and he really is wanting to kill Liza, Gideon and Mercy plus getting Pastor’s money. What a wild story and I will be re reading it soon. Thankfully there’s a very happy ever after. Loved the conclusion to this series. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy through NetGalley and I highly recommend this book.
July 26, 2021
I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of Say Goodbye, the third novel in the Sacramento series, this one featuring FBI agent Tom Hunter and nursing aide Liza Barkley.
DJ Belmont, one of the leaders of the Eden cult, is hunting down cult members who have escaped. FBI agent Tom Hunter is hunting Belmont and the location of the elusive cult. Liza Barkley sees a way to help her friend Tom and protect her other friends from Belmont.
I thoroughly enjoyed Say Goodbye, which is a heart pounding thriller with plenty of twists and turns. First of all I should say that I think it works as a stand-alone, but I’m saying this having read the two previous novels so maybe I’m wrong. Whatever, I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture.
This is a long novel so be prepared, because it is engrossing and difficult to put down. It is told mostly from Tom, Liza and DJ Belmont’s points of view so there is plenty to mull over, like the budding romance between Tom and Liza and Belmont’s psychopathic personality and actions. He is on a rampage in this novel, so the good guys are on the defensive until Tom, with Lisa’s help, gets enough information to turn the tables. It is interesting to watch the tide turn and Belmont decompensate as his plans go awry. The switch between points of view works extremely well in this situation, offering the reader a compare and contrast opportunity and it ramps up the tension with neither side knowing what the other is up to.
I’m never particularly interested in the romance side of things, but I didn’t find Tom and Liza’s either engrossing or all that credible. His behaviour and attitude are poor, so it’s just as well she’s fit for him.
Say Goodbye is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
DJ Belmont, one of the leaders of the Eden cult, is hunting down cult members who have escaped. FBI agent Tom Hunter is hunting Belmont and the location of the elusive cult. Liza Barkley sees a way to help her friend Tom and protect her other friends from Belmont.
I thoroughly enjoyed Say Goodbye, which is a heart pounding thriller with plenty of twists and turns. First of all I should say that I think it works as a stand-alone, but I’m saying this having read the two previous novels so maybe I’m wrong. Whatever, I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full picture.
This is a long novel so be prepared, because it is engrossing and difficult to put down. It is told mostly from Tom, Liza and DJ Belmont’s points of view so there is plenty to mull over, like the budding romance between Tom and Liza and Belmont’s psychopathic personality and actions. He is on a rampage in this novel, so the good guys are on the defensive until Tom, with Lisa’s help, gets enough information to turn the tables. It is interesting to watch the tide turn and Belmont decompensate as his plans go awry. The switch between points of view works extremely well in this situation, offering the reader a compare and contrast opportunity and it ramps up the tension with neither side knowing what the other is up to.
I’m never particularly interested in the romance side of things, but I didn’t find Tom and Liza’s either engrossing or all that credible. His behaviour and attitude are poor, so it’s just as well she’s fit for him.
Say Goodbye is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 23, 2021
I loved this series and the characters.
July 30, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Say Goodbye is the third Sacramento story. Say You're Sorry was the first Sacramento book and #22 in the series, followed by Say No More. Say You're Sorry featured Gideon, who escaped from a cult, paired him with Daisy, his sister Mercy, and his best friend Rafe, who is from a large family. Say No More was Rafe and Mercy's book. Mercy and Daisy are kidnapped by a serial killer. Gideon is an FBI agent. Rafe is a homicide detective.
I was correct that one focus of Say Goodbye would be Tom Hunter. Tom Hunter is a newer FBI agent came from Chicago and we know his family there. A "friend" from Chicago, Liza is coming to Sacramento to attend nursing school. They both have known loss and Tom was attracted to her when she was too young. He also worries he might act like his father who abused his mother and him. Tom bought a duplex where he lives in one side and Liza the other side.
The cult is still out there and after Mercy and Gideon. Gideon has been recused for being too close to the case. Tom is working the case from many angles and Liza turns out to be a surprising amount of help. There are many exciting plot layers and suspenseful because bad things happen to girls turning 12 in the cult or having babies without medical care. One cult member has lost himself to anger and revenge and greed and is on a killing spree of anyone who crosses him or has resources he wants.
The author has done an outstanding job in every way. The world is engaging and well-developed in each city. There are fun connections between cities like Tom Hunter coming from Chicago to work in Sacramento. The main characters tend to be in law enforcement, social work or therapy or foster care systems. They are upstanding caring people who usually have been through some horrific situations. Other characters are also well-developed. Children play a realistic role. The people are not perfect, which only makes them more believable. I really enjoy the times when they are smart and have good strategies, both good and bad guys. There aren't the obvious TSTL choices. The plot is the icing on the cake with several storylines, plenty of action and life or death suspense.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love the Romantic Suspense series. I've read them all. I started the series with the first Cincinnati book, with Faith and Deacon. It was actually #16 overall. Then I went back and read the previous 15 books. I would not jump into this in the middle of the series. One could start at the beginning of a city since those stories connect well, and they seem to be labelled on Goodreads.
Say Goodbye is the third Sacramento story. Say You're Sorry was the first Sacramento book and #22 in the series, followed by Say No More. Say You're Sorry featured Gideon, who escaped from a cult, paired him with Daisy, his sister Mercy, and his best friend Rafe, who is from a large family. Say No More was Rafe and Mercy's book. Mercy and Daisy are kidnapped by a serial killer. Gideon is an FBI agent. Rafe is a homicide detective.
I was correct that one focus of Say Goodbye would be Tom Hunter. Tom Hunter is a newer FBI agent came from Chicago and we know his family there. A "friend" from Chicago, Liza is coming to Sacramento to attend nursing school. They both have known loss and Tom was attracted to her when she was too young. He also worries he might act like his father who abused his mother and him. Tom bought a duplex where he lives in one side and Liza the other side.
The cult is still out there and after Mercy and Gideon. Gideon has been recused for being too close to the case. Tom is working the case from many angles and Liza turns out to be a surprising amount of help. There are many exciting plot layers and suspenseful because bad things happen to girls turning 12 in the cult or having babies without medical care. One cult member has lost himself to anger and revenge and greed and is on a killing spree of anyone who crosses him or has resources he wants.
The author has done an outstanding job in every way. The world is engaging and well-developed in each city. There are fun connections between cities like Tom Hunter coming from Chicago to work in Sacramento. The main characters tend to be in law enforcement, social work or therapy or foster care systems. They are upstanding caring people who usually have been through some horrific situations. Other characters are also well-developed. Children play a realistic role. The people are not perfect, which only makes them more believable. I really enjoy the times when they are smart and have good strategies, both good and bad guys. There aren't the obvious TSTL choices. The plot is the icing on the cake with several storylines, plenty of action and life or death suspense.
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