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Rage
Weston Cross is a bullied and abused man who wants nothing more than to escape from his agonizing mental anguish and excruciating misery. After a harrowing brush with death, he discovers a better way to twist his depression and self-despair into something different...something sinister.
Lindsay Yager, the therapist assigned to help Weston with his internal battles, is fighting her own demons. On the verge of a nasty divorce, she finds solace at the bottom of a bottle. Her anger and vitriol take no prisoners, even when lives are at stake - including her own.
Lindsay Yager, the therapist assigned to help Weston with his internal battles, is fighting her own demons. On the verge of a nasty divorce, she finds solace at the bottom of a bottle. Her anger and vitriol take no prisoners, even when lives are at stake - including her own.
- GenresHorror
220 pages, Paperback
Published June 22, 2021
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Sue Rovens
13 books30 followersSue Rovens is an indie suspense/horror author who lives in Normal, Illinois. She has written five novels and two books of short horror stories.
Track 9, her second novel, received a starred review in Publisher's Weekly (May 2018), her short story, “Coming Over”, from her book, In a Corner, Darkly (Volume 1) was turned into a screenplay and short student indie film by the theater department of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and another short story, “When the Earth Bled”, won 2nd place in the Support Indie Authors short story contest. Her three most recent books (Buried, Rage, and Sanctum) are under Plump Toad Press.
Sue owns a blog (suerovens.com) which includes interviews with authors, musicians, podcasters, and artists. She is also a current member of both the Chicago Writers Association and the Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLi).
Track 9, her second novel, received a starred review in Publisher's Weekly (May 2018), her short story, “Coming Over”, from her book, In a Corner, Darkly (Volume 1) was turned into a screenplay and short student indie film by the theater department of Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and another short story, “When the Earth Bled”, won 2nd place in the Support Indie Authors short story contest. Her three most recent books (Buried, Rage, and Sanctum) are under Plump Toad Press.
Sue owns a blog (suerovens.com) which includes interviews with authors, musicians, podcasters, and artists. She is also a current member of both the Chicago Writers Association and the Alliance for Independent Authors (ALLi).
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 26, 2021
Weston Cross is a man on the brink. Depressed, he's contemplating the rest of his life. What he foresees is not what he wants. He was lucky ... he jumped off a roof and was caught in a net which saved his life. He's banged up .. but he's breathing.
Now he thinks he's found a way to use his own depression and turn in into something different ... something ominous.
Lindsay Yager is the therapist assigned to help Watson deal with his feelings of angst, depression ... rage. But she has her own problems. She's contemplating divorce and has turned her emotional turmoil into drinking way too much.
These two people should never have met.
There's a lot going on in this novel. This is a new author to me, and as such, did not know what to expect. I did not like the characters. I don't mind flawed characters, but these had no redeeming qualities whatsoever. I could not relate and did not find them interesting. The ending came as a surprise, which I found satisfying. Otherwise, this book is just not for me.
Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 31, 2021
Thank you Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and Sue Rovens for this ARC.
Low-class and overweight bumpkin Weston Cross leaps off the roof of the town library to put an end to his humdrum, meaningless life. But the firefighters manage to catch him and save his life. In the hospital, he's required to agree to meet with a therapist to be released. Begrudgingly, he goes to see counselor Lindsay Yager, who isn't living her best life either. She's taken to drinking her problems away, oh, and taking the rest out on her husband.
I'm a big fan of Rovens after reading her last book 'Buried.' This author has a crude, diabolical, no-holds-barred perspective on horror and the nasty, diabolical people among us. And I love it. This book was no different. I couldn't put it down!
Now, don't expect to meet friends in this small cast of characters or create any bonds. If you find yourself feeling any sort of empathy or kinship for either of these twisted folks, it's time to reevaluate you life and definitely get a mental exam with a professional. These are dark folks with dark intentions; the kind us 'normals' like to gawk at and ponder over on episodes of 'Forty Eight Hours' and 'Cold Case Files.'
This story started out a bit slow, but quickly ramped up the drama and the tension. The side players in the cast of characters shift the story and take it into a tail spin you won't see coming. The ending is utterly satisfying after such a wicked and wild ride.
Low-class and overweight bumpkin Weston Cross leaps off the roof of the town library to put an end to his humdrum, meaningless life. But the firefighters manage to catch him and save his life. In the hospital, he's required to agree to meet with a therapist to be released. Begrudgingly, he goes to see counselor Lindsay Yager, who isn't living her best life either. She's taken to drinking her problems away, oh, and taking the rest out on her husband.
I'm a big fan of Rovens after reading her last book 'Buried.' This author has a crude, diabolical, no-holds-barred perspective on horror and the nasty, diabolical people among us. And I love it. This book was no different. I couldn't put it down!
Now, don't expect to meet friends in this small cast of characters or create any bonds. If you find yourself feeling any sort of empathy or kinship for either of these twisted folks, it's time to reevaluate you life and definitely get a mental exam with a professional. These are dark folks with dark intentions; the kind us 'normals' like to gawk at and ponder over on episodes of 'Forty Eight Hours' and 'Cold Case Files.'
This story started out a bit slow, but quickly ramped up the drama and the tension. The side players in the cast of characters shift the story and take it into a tail spin you won't see coming. The ending is utterly satisfying after such a wicked and wild ride.
January 14, 2022
An interrupted suicide catapults Weston Cross into mental health counseling with Lindsey Yager. She’s a grossly incompetent therapist with a collapsing marriage and a serious drinking problem, and the combination adds up to disaster. When Lindsey refuses to listen to Weston’s dark thoughts, she awakens his rage. And when Weston’s kindly neighbor Jay suggests that Weston put his energy into making the world a better place, Weston has his own ideas about what that means.
This thriller unfolds with an omniscient POV, giving the reader a broad view of the situation as well as insight into each character’s thoughts, backstory, and motivations. As main characters, neither Lindsey nor Weston is likable. Secondary characters, however, shine in that department. Jay, the neighbor, and Jeremy, Lindsey’s soon-to-be ex-husband, were the ones I cared for and worried about.
Weston is a deftly written, well-rounded villain, and it was hard to pick just one area of his beat-upon life that compelled him to attempt suicide. After Lindsey’s terrible counseling, his pathology ends up manifesting sexually, so readers should be prepared for some explicit sexual behaviors.
The book is a page-turner with a snappy pace, and I read it in a day. I had no idea how things were going to resolve, and the surprise ending made perfect sense. Perhaps my only disappointment was that Lindsey wasn’t present in the final climactic scene to face the havoc. That said, this was an enjoyable read, and I’ll be picking up more books by this author. Recommended for fans of thrillers who love a quick read.
This thriller unfolds with an omniscient POV, giving the reader a broad view of the situation as well as insight into each character’s thoughts, backstory, and motivations. As main characters, neither Lindsey nor Weston is likable. Secondary characters, however, shine in that department. Jay, the neighbor, and Jeremy, Lindsey’s soon-to-be ex-husband, were the ones I cared for and worried about.
Weston is a deftly written, well-rounded villain, and it was hard to pick just one area of his beat-upon life that compelled him to attempt suicide. After Lindsey’s terrible counseling, his pathology ends up manifesting sexually, so readers should be prepared for some explicit sexual behaviors.
The book is a page-turner with a snappy pace, and I read it in a day. I had no idea how things were going to resolve, and the surprise ending made perfect sense. Perhaps my only disappointment was that Lindsey wasn’t present in the final climactic scene to face the havoc. That said, this was an enjoyable read, and I’ll be picking up more books by this author. Recommended for fans of thrillers who love a quick read.
August 15, 2021
If you like fast-paced disturbing books with great characters and a storyline that you'll read in one sitting, then this is your book.
July 22, 2021
2.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rage by Sue Rovens follows the povs of Weston Cross and Lindsay Yager. Weston is a depressed and abused man who just wants to escape his misery. After a failed attempt he finds something else to fix his mental prison and it's incredibly sinister. Lindsay is the therapist assigned to help Weston with his mental health. Lindsay is fighting her own battles with being on the brink of a divorce she finds her healing from bottles of alcohol. Will Lindsay be able to help Weston or will she give in to her own demons even when lives are at stake?
The first 60% of this book had me a bit bored, to be honest, but towards the end is where my attention was caught. The plot was intriguing, and I enjoyed getting a look into Weston's head and seeing his reasoning for everything he was doing. Personally, the writing fell a bit flat for me and it never really wowed me. Lindsays povs were a bit boring and I never actually enjoyed it. I would've preferred for the book to of just been Weston pov. Honestly, the only aspect that I enjoyed of this book was the ending. It had me on the edge and nervous but the last paragraph left me wanting more. I just wish the author would've included an epilogue where it showed the aftermath of everything that occurred. Overall I wouldn't really recommend this book because I just personally didn't enjoy 90% of it but everyone's entitled to their own opinions and I could see some people really loving this book. Once again I just want to say thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this eARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rage by Sue Rovens follows the povs of Weston Cross and Lindsay Yager. Weston is a depressed and abused man who just wants to escape his misery. After a failed attempt he finds something else to fix his mental prison and it's incredibly sinister. Lindsay is the therapist assigned to help Weston with his mental health. Lindsay is fighting her own battles with being on the brink of a divorce she finds her healing from bottles of alcohol. Will Lindsay be able to help Weston or will she give in to her own demons even when lives are at stake?
The first 60% of this book had me a bit bored, to be honest, but towards the end is where my attention was caught. The plot was intriguing, and I enjoyed getting a look into Weston's head and seeing his reasoning for everything he was doing. Personally, the writing fell a bit flat for me and it never really wowed me. Lindsays povs were a bit boring and I never actually enjoyed it. I would've preferred for the book to of just been Weston pov. Honestly, the only aspect that I enjoyed of this book was the ending. It had me on the edge and nervous but the last paragraph left me wanting more. I just wish the author would've included an epilogue where it showed the aftermath of everything that occurred. Overall I wouldn't really recommend this book because I just personally didn't enjoy 90% of it but everyone's entitled to their own opinions and I could see some people really loving this book. Once again I just want to say thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with this eARC.
Read
September 2, 2021I didn't enjoy this book, lost interest rather quickly and dnf pretty early on.
TW:
Suicide
Fat Phobia
TW:
Suicide
Fat Phobia
October 17, 2021
THANK YOU TO NETGALLEY AND BOOKSGOSOCIAL FOR THE FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK TO READ AND REVIEW.
Judging from the other NetGalley reviews and Goodreads reviews I've seen I am in the minority of people who really disliked this book...
From the start I found it difficult to really "get" the plot, and by the time I got to the end of the story it felt as though there was no real substance. I, hand on heart, couldn't tell you what this book was actually about, I really would struggle to give you a run down of the story itself.
I don't think the way Rage was laid out lent itself to my disappointment in it either. I thought that it would have been better to focus the story on Weston, and to have Lindsey just as the therapist, without flitting between them for chapters. It felt disconnected and as if we were reading two different books with a very weak link between them.
The chapters including Lindsey where she just vented about her marriage and got drunk were irrelevant for me, and added no value to the story.
For me, Rage was also let down by the writing and quality of the dialogue. At points, the writing was good, it did draw me in and build intrigue (I'll admit, I did need to finish this book as I was so caught up in what was going to happen and the intrigue that the author built up was on redeeming quality of this book).
Another redeeming quality was the characters, against my better judgement I loved all of our characters (except Lindsey) and I found myself growing attached to them throughout the story. Jay was the shining star of this book, everyone needs a friend like him! Jeremy and Weston also lent themselves well to the story as a whole.
A little note - Around 75-80% of this book I was really in two minds about whether or not I was enjoying it, granted it wasn't amazing, but it certainly was intriguing me and drawing me into the story! But as I got closer to the end... Well, you'll see!
From around 80% onwards I just felt incredibly underwhelmed by Rage. I completely guessed the ending before we even reached it and it felt like the most horrendous cop out by the author to finish it the way they did... It was blindingly obvious what was going to happen.
And as for Lindsey's ending... Well it's as if the author knew her POV chapters were completely pointless because her character ARC never reached a proper conclusion. It felt like I'd wasted my time reading the Lindsey chapters.
I finished Rage feeling really underwhelmed. While it was never what I would say an excellent book, it was keeping my interest and was OK, but then the ending just spoiled everything and I found myself full of rage (pardon the pun!) that I'd stuck my way through the whole story.
Again, thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the free copy to read and review.
Judging from the other NetGalley reviews and Goodreads reviews I've seen I am in the minority of people who really disliked this book...
From the start I found it difficult to really "get" the plot, and by the time I got to the end of the story it felt as though there was no real substance. I, hand on heart, couldn't tell you what this book was actually about, I really would struggle to give you a run down of the story itself.
I don't think the way Rage was laid out lent itself to my disappointment in it either. I thought that it would have been better to focus the story on Weston, and to have Lindsey just as the therapist, without flitting between them for chapters. It felt disconnected and as if we were reading two different books with a very weak link between them.
The chapters including Lindsey where she just vented about her marriage and got drunk were irrelevant for me, and added no value to the story.
For me, Rage was also let down by the writing and quality of the dialogue. At points, the writing was good, it did draw me in and build intrigue (I'll admit, I did need to finish this book as I was so caught up in what was going to happen and the intrigue that the author built up was on redeeming quality of this book).
Another redeeming quality was the characters, against my better judgement I loved all of our characters (except Lindsey) and I found myself growing attached to them throughout the story. Jay was the shining star of this book, everyone needs a friend like him! Jeremy and Weston also lent themselves well to the story as a whole.
A little note - Around 75-80% of this book I was really in two minds about whether or not I was enjoying it, granted it wasn't amazing, but it certainly was intriguing me and drawing me into the story! But as I got closer to the end... Well, you'll see!
From around 80% onwards I just felt incredibly underwhelmed by Rage. I completely guessed the ending before we even reached it and it felt like the most horrendous cop out by the author to finish it the way they did... It was blindingly obvious what was going to happen.
And as for Lindsey's ending... Well it's as if the author knew her POV chapters were completely pointless because her character ARC never reached a proper conclusion. It felt like I'd wasted my time reading the Lindsey chapters.
I finished Rage feeling really underwhelmed. While it was never what I would say an excellent book, it was keeping my interest and was OK, but then the ending just spoiled everything and I found myself full of rage (pardon the pun!) that I'd stuck my way through the whole story.
Again, thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the free copy to read and review.
October 1, 2021
Thank you @netfalley and @suerovens? for the opportunity for me to read this book for an honest review!
*
There are *TW* for this book, so please look into those before reading!!
*
This novel follows two points of views, Weston and Lindsay. Weston is a suicidal male who attempts to end his life. After his attempt and in the hospital, he agrees to work with Lindsay a therapist, who is dealing with her own life stressors and demons and has begun drinking to try to solve her problems.
*
*
This was definitely a fast past dark thriller book. I think that she did a great job at character development; however, I struggled with the characters choices throughout the book. As a therapist, I really struggled with Lindsay and her choices throughout the book. There were also some scenes in this book that made me uncomfortable, but overall the story was intriguing. This was the first book that I’ve read by But Rovens and I will definitely try another book by her in the future.
*
There are *TW* for this book, so please look into those before reading!!
*
This novel follows two points of views, Weston and Lindsay. Weston is a suicidal male who attempts to end his life. After his attempt and in the hospital, he agrees to work with Lindsay a therapist, who is dealing with her own life stressors and demons and has begun drinking to try to solve her problems.
*
*
This was definitely a fast past dark thriller book. I think that she did a great job at character development; however, I struggled with the characters choices throughout the book. As a therapist, I really struggled with Lindsay and her choices throughout the book. There were also some scenes in this book that made me uncomfortable, but overall the story was intriguing. This was the first book that I’ve read by But Rovens and I will definitely try another book by her in the future.
October 24, 2023
I feel this deserves 3.5 stars, but not enough for me to round up to a 4.
I met this author at Tomes of Terror mini horror con in Bloomington, IL. This was the first I'd ever heard or read of her so I grabbed two of her books (signed, of course) to dive into. I started with Rage. Awesome cover art!!!
The basic premise was a man who had been teased and belittled from family and outsiders since childhood, now 40 years old decides he is going to let his inner rage surface and bring revenge on people whom he deems "unworthy" to live.
I like the overall idea, but I just felt everything could have been expanded upon. The scary/gory scenes were a bit too quick for me. I felt like I didn't really get to dive in and explore everything, like the scenes could use a bit more depth.
Overall, it was an entertaining read and I am excited to read Buried, also by Sue Rovens.
I met this author at Tomes of Terror mini horror con in Bloomington, IL. This was the first I'd ever heard or read of her so I grabbed two of her books (signed, of course) to dive into. I started with Rage. Awesome cover art!!!
The basic premise was a man who had been teased and belittled from family and outsiders since childhood, now 40 years old decides he is going to let his inner rage surface and bring revenge on people whom he deems "unworthy" to live.
I like the overall idea, but I just felt everything could have been expanded upon. The scary/gory scenes were a bit too quick for me. I felt like I didn't really get to dive in and explore everything, like the scenes could use a bit more depth.
Overall, it was an entertaining read and I am excited to read Buried, also by Sue Rovens.
September 6, 2021
Wow. My first time reading Ms. Rovens. What a powerful writer she is. I took the weekend to give myself a treat and settled in to read her book. To say I was glued to it is an understatement. I won't give a spoiler but the protagonist was a total surprise. Throughout the book, the human emotion was raw and to the extreme. I didn't see the ending coming, but it surely did make sense. After living in Bloomington-Normal in Illinois, it was a delight to see all the familiar places she mentioned. Way to go Ms. Rovens. I hope there is a sequel.
September 30, 2021
We are following Weston who is not happy with how his life is. He fails a suicide attempt and now has trouble reaching an orgasm when masturbating. Claims something clicks in his head and so he starts killing other men.
We also follow follow Lindsay who is a therapist and an alcoholic. She is on the verge of divorce and seems to place blame on everyone else except herself.
Unfortunately, I found this dull. I thought about not finishing it, but powered through. This is supposed to be a horror. I believe it fell short.
We also follow follow Lindsay who is a therapist and an alcoholic. She is on the verge of divorce and seems to place blame on everyone else except herself.
Unfortunately, I found this dull. I thought about not finishing it, but powered through. This is supposed to be a horror. I believe it fell short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Finished this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review
Finished this in one sitting as I couldn't put it down
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review
September 16, 2021
Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to Dig up some new ( to me) authors, that certainly don't get the attention which they deserve. Sue Rovens, Is one in particular author, that I am very fortunate to have found.
The people that Is she involves in her stories, always tend to have different dimensions , than your average run of the mill character's. If I have any complaints about Sue's books, it's that there's not more of them!
The people that Is she involves in her stories, always tend to have different dimensions , than your average run of the mill character's. If I have any complaints about Sue's books, it's that there's not more of them!
December 8, 2023
This was a fairly quick read and I loved all the local referenced that were made. Author lives in the Bloomington-Normal area so that was the setting for the story. Mentions of Avantis, Tobins Pizza, Milner Library, ISU campus, downtown Square made me feel like I was in the story! Can't wat to read her other books that I purchased back in October during the Tomes of Terror Horror Convention & Author Fair
November 20, 2021
*Copy provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
TW: fat phobia
A bullied man who attempted suicide. His new way of living. And the therapist treating him. Rage had everything to be the perfect serial killer read. Instead, it was a read based on all unlikable characters, dubious motivations and a not so great plot at all, which was a shame.
TW: fat phobia
A bullied man who attempted suicide. His new way of living. And the therapist treating him. Rage had everything to be the perfect serial killer read. Instead, it was a read based on all unlikable characters, dubious motivations and a not so great plot at all, which was a shame.
August 4, 2023
3.5⭐⭐⭐
- the book honestly got me hooked from the first pages, until i wasnt .
it gotten to the point that it has to be combine with two scenes that i couldnt understand and nearly dnf.
Apparently , i tried to finish it and it was worth it the end .
+ thankyou netgalley for the opportunity .
❤️shaye.reads
- the book honestly got me hooked from the first pages, until i wasnt .
it gotten to the point that it has to be combine with two scenes that i couldnt understand and nearly dnf.
Apparently , i tried to finish it and it was worth it the end .
+ thankyou netgalley for the opportunity .
❤️shaye.reads
November 21, 2021
Rage is rip-roaring rollercoaster ride of retaliation! It's the first book I've read that was set in my home town. That made it extra special, but it captures any mid-sized college town in the 1980's. Totally believable plot and characters. Buy it!
August 25, 2024
Met Sue Rovens at a local author event and picked her book up.
Rage takes place in Bloomington-Normal (where I lived a few years) and follows Weston and Lindsay who meet after Weston attempts to take his own life and is directed to Lindsay for therapy. Both struggle with their own issues and the plot thickens when their worlds intersect with blood results. A quick and fun read!
Rage takes place in Bloomington-Normal (where I lived a few years) and follows Weston and Lindsay who meet after Weston attempts to take his own life and is directed to Lindsay for therapy. Both struggle with their own issues and the plot thickens when their worlds intersect with blood results. A quick and fun read!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews