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Unsettled
RE-WRITTEN & RE-RELEASED UNDER HALLE OCT 8TH 2021
The first murder sent shock waves through the city.
The second one had everyone scared to leave their homes.
The third caught the attention of the nation, the whisper of butterfly kisses flying across the headlines of every major newspaper.
The small town of Rivercrest Landing had a serial killer.
And in the midst of all of it I’ve gotten myself tangled with a cruel boy whose cornflower eyes taunt my inner demons with the taste of his.
A boy who makes me question everything.
If I’m not careful, I might just get a butterfly kiss of my own.
TRIGGER WARNING: Blood/murder, knife play, choking, depression, loss. Reader discretion is advised.
The first murder sent shock waves through the city.
The second one had everyone scared to leave their homes.
The third caught the attention of the nation, the whisper of butterfly kisses flying across the headlines of every major newspaper.
The small town of Rivercrest Landing had a serial killer.
And in the midst of all of it I’ve gotten myself tangled with a cruel boy whose cornflower eyes taunt my inner demons with the taste of his.
A boy who makes me question everything.
If I’m not careful, I might just get a butterfly kiss of my own.
TRIGGER WARNING: Blood/murder, knife play, choking, depression, loss. Reader discretion is advised.
ebook
First published November 13, 2020
34 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
About the author
AJ Wolf
22 books325 followersI am a self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast who loves reverse harem books and is addicted to adopting animals. I dig crows, witchy things & anime. I live on a small hobby farm surrounded by my favorite people and growing animal family. I write under two pen names—AJ Wolf & Halle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
October 8, 2021
With this being a first time read by this author, I didn't know what to expect. It's unique, gritty, and suspenseful. This is a hard review to write up due to not wanting to divulge spoilers so I'll be keeping this one short and sweet.
The small town of Rivercrest Landing is unsettled due to the body count increasing and no suspects in sight. A storyline that will keep you guessing throughout.
This was insanely intense, keeping me on my toes from front to back never knowing what the outcome was going to be only to be shocked to my core when a twist left me gasping in its wake..
January 11, 2021
If you look at the synopsis of this book, you'll realize that it's something you have to go into blind. Between the cover, the shelves its been put on, and the existing reviews on GR, I was under the impression that I was going to get a dark romance with a crazy ending.
Was I correct? Well... I believe I'm supposed to say yes, but my real answer is no. No, I was not correct.
However, if dark = serial killer and romance = sex to you, than I guess that would be what this is. My definitions of these things are slightly different. But to each their own, I suppose.
I'm not going to plot this book, as I really can't without giving away the "twist" ending. Suffice it to say that it's basically about a serial killer, lots of detailed murders, and how unsettled this person is.
It started off well. I got Jamie Dornan in The Fall vibes, which was pretty cool. (Great show, check it out if you haven't.) But as the characters of Hadley and Rhys started to develop, I honestly saw what was coming from a mile away. And that took me out of the story because it didn't make sense to me. It left plot holes and strange questions everywhere. And by the time it all came to a head, I was just bored.
I get what this author was trying to do, and I applaud it. The murders were interesting at first and so was the relationship between Hadley and Rhys. But about 50% into the story it all became tedious and confusing. This was probably where I figured out what was going to happen, so... take that how you will.
If you decide to try this book, just keep in mind that it's not a dark romance. It's more a psychological thriller that could have been executed better, in my opinion.
November 21, 2020
"As mine, it's my duty to take care of you and keep you safe from the cruel, dark world we live in. The only way for me to do that, is to keep you in here......My heart, where you've always belonged. Forever immortalized. Forever cherished. Forever loved."
Beautiful and young girls are turning up dead all around town with a butterfly origami as a killer signature - ”butterfly kiss” they say...
Who's the killer? Expert in hiding?! But nobody can hide forever.....You'll have to read this gripping thriller to find out.
This was amazingly suspenseful and oddly satisfying uneasiness on what's to come.
You might get seriously stressed over this story. It's not for the faint of heart.
AJ - you did it again! Absolutely amazing!
November 14, 2020
I AM SHOOK!!!
This book is so freaking good and had me hooked from the very beginning. I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH!!!! And I mean from the very first chapter!! Like chapter one.... holy shit!!! I did not expect that!!!!
The blurb gives nothing away so I had no idea what to expect. Once I started, I felt myself tunneling down the rabbit hole with no return.
It was dark and twisted and I absolutely loved the storyline that AJ Wolf gave us with this captivating tale. The secrets, the twists, the turns, the darkness and the suspense. I LOVED IT!!!! This was one of those books that was pure creativity and so different to anything that I have ever read before.
I am fast becoming a HUGE fan of AJ Wolf and the books that she is throwing our way. I CANNOT WAIT to see what she gives us next. I NEED MORE!!!!
This book is so freaking good and had me hooked from the very beginning. I COULD NOT GET ENOUGH!!!! And I mean from the very first chapter!! Like chapter one.... holy shit!!! I did not expect that!!!!
The blurb gives nothing away so I had no idea what to expect. Once I started, I felt myself tunneling down the rabbit hole with no return.
It was dark and twisted and I absolutely loved the storyline that AJ Wolf gave us with this captivating tale. The secrets, the twists, the turns, the darkness and the suspense. I LOVED IT!!!! This was one of those books that was pure creativity and so different to anything that I have ever read before.
I am fast becoming a HUGE fan of AJ Wolf and the books that she is throwing our way. I CANNOT WAIT to see what she gives us next. I NEED MORE!!!!
October 16, 2021
4.25
I'm finding myself more and more attracted to this kind of reading ...
I love a good psycholgical thriller mixed with the romance part.
More over if it ends with mind blowing discoveries😏🤯
And Unsettled is really really good!!
I can’t really tell you anything about the story because I would spoiler it, and you should go blind into it to really enjoy it.
But I can tell you the story is suspenseful, gritty, kinda painful....and absolutely captivating.
I loved the darkness that permeates every word. It called me and I just had to read.
To know.
To understand.
This is my first book from Halle but i'm already looking forward for her next release.
I'm finding myself more and more attracted to this kind of reading ...
I love a good psycholgical thriller mixed with the romance part.
More over if it ends with mind blowing discoveries😏🤯
And Unsettled is really really good!!
I can’t really tell you anything about the story because I would spoiler it, and you should go blind into it to really enjoy it.
But I can tell you the story is suspenseful, gritty, kinda painful....and absolutely captivating.
I loved the darkness that permeates every word. It called me and I just had to read.
To know.
To understand.
This is my first book from Halle but i'm already looking forward for her next release.
November 19, 2020
...What did I just read?
November 18, 2020
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Did expect this book to take that turn? No I didn’t, but it was freaking brilliant!!!
I loved this book, AJ Wolf tackled a different genre to her usual style, and she did it soo flipping well!! Unsettled is a dark romance/ psychological Thriller.
The protagonist, Hadley, has dark and broken soul, one that fits like a jigsaw piece to Rhys Elliot’s heart.
Then we have the butterfly killer, a mysterious, psychopath serial killer who gets away with killing after killing. Drawing in women, and taking their lives to feed his sick hunger for death.
I read this in one flipping sitting, I could barely keep my eyes open by the time I was finished. It was an intriguing introduction followed by a plot that keeps you guessing. If you love a good psychological thriller, combined romance, this book is very much for you!
Did expect this book to take that turn? No I didn’t, but it was freaking brilliant!!!
I loved this book, AJ Wolf tackled a different genre to her usual style, and she did it soo flipping well!! Unsettled is a dark romance/ psychological Thriller.
The protagonist, Hadley, has dark and broken soul, one that fits like a jigsaw piece to Rhys Elliot’s heart.
Then we have the butterfly killer, a mysterious, psychopath serial killer who gets away with killing after killing. Drawing in women, and taking their lives to feed his sick hunger for death.
I read this in one flipping sitting, I could barely keep my eyes open by the time I was finished. It was an intriguing introduction followed by a plot that keeps you guessing. If you love a good psychological thriller, combined romance, this book is very much for you!
January 21, 2021
"Forever immortalized. Forever cherished. Forever loved."
Ho richiesto questa ARC d'impulso, in un periodo in cui nessun libro riusciva a prendermi fino in fondo. La trama non dice assolutamente niente sulla storia, sembra solo una filastrocca inquietante. Ma... è stato una bomba lo stesso. Avrei messo voto pieno se solo non avessi letto un libro molto simile giusto qualche mese fa (non dico il titolo perchè chi l'ha letto sicuramente capisce di cosa sto parlando, e sono cose di cui è meglio essere sorpresi durante la lettura) ma non per questo è da meno.
Io inizialmente mi ero già fatta un idea ed ero sicurissima, poi c'è stato questo plot twist che ti fa rimanere di stucco ma che comunque un po' vedi arrivare in quanto questa storia è si misteriosa, ma l'autrice lascia parecchi indizi durante la lettura. I capitoli poi sono a POV alternati, uno Hadley, la protagonista e uno il serial killer chiamato Butterfly Kisses. Una volta uniti i pezzi del puzzle, avrete un bellissimo psychological thriller con un pizzico di dark romance.
L'unica cosa che posso dire senza spoilerare troppo è: non aspettatevi l'happy ending. This is not that kind of story ;)
🦋
*ARC provided in exchange of an honest review*
July 5, 2023
***4 "Butterfly kisses!!!" stars***
"My butterfly will be forever memorialized, all because of me..."
This story was kind of unsettling, very unique, suspenseful and very unexpected!!!
It is weird to be inside a killer's mind and Halle delivered a very dark and intense situation here in a very delicate way!!!
I liked Hadley, Rhys and their weird ways!!! I loved their intensity and this unexpected ending was very unsettling!!!
And to not forget that this cover is so freakin' gorgeous, don't you think???
Forever immortalized.
Forever cherished.
Forever loved.
In the small town of Rivercrest Landing, a serial killer who is giving butterfly kisses is on the loop... The increasing body count is unsettling, while there are no suspects in sight.
Girls are afraid to walk by themselves at night cause someone is lurking in the dark searching for his next victim, his next butterfly for his collection...
In the middle of all that is Hadley, a girl different from the others and her love interest, Rhys, is a very mysterious and full of surprises, boy.
If Hadley is not careful, she might end up to receive her own butterfly kiss...
"I want to taste your lies, butterfly."
I don't want to tell you anything else about this story...
In true A.J. Wolf's style, aka Halle, this book was short and to the point...
The mystery levels was very high and you were wondering all the time who was behind all this mess...
I don't need to tell you that Halle will keep you guessing throughout the whole book and in the end, bang, she will leave you with your mouth hung open.
It was a very enticing read and I am happy that I took this ride!!
"Some people are just born unsettled."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
"My butterfly will be forever memorialized, all because of me..."
This story was kind of unsettling, very unique, suspenseful and very unexpected!!!
It is weird to be inside a killer's mind and Halle delivered a very dark and intense situation here in a very delicate way!!!
I liked Hadley, Rhys and their weird ways!!! I loved their intensity and this unexpected ending was very unsettling!!!
And to not forget that this cover is so freakin' gorgeous, don't you think???
Forever immortalized.
Forever cherished.
Forever loved.
In the small town of Rivercrest Landing, a serial killer who is giving butterfly kisses is on the loop... The increasing body count is unsettling, while there are no suspects in sight.
Girls are afraid to walk by themselves at night cause someone is lurking in the dark searching for his next victim, his next butterfly for his collection...
In the middle of all that is Hadley, a girl different from the others and her love interest, Rhys, is a very mysterious and full of surprises, boy.
If Hadley is not careful, she might end up to receive her own butterfly kiss...
"I want to taste your lies, butterfly."
I don't want to tell you anything else about this story...
In true A.J. Wolf's style, aka Halle, this book was short and to the point...
The mystery levels was very high and you were wondering all the time who was behind all this mess...
I don't need to tell you that Halle will keep you guessing throughout the whole book and in the end, bang, she will leave you with your mouth hung open.
It was a very enticing read and I am happy that I took this ride!!
"Some people are just born unsettled."
**I received an ARC for the exchange of an honest review**
November 23, 2020
Thrilling!
Seriously I am not sure if there’s a single word that could
Sum up this book but thrilling is probably the closest. From chapter one my heart was on edge. My obsession with serial killers and the way they work on high alert. There is no slow burn for anxiety inducing events because it’s in your face, no holds bar thill ride. Even now after finishing my insides are all tied up and I’m still coming down from the rush. Don’t look for happily ever after a or sweet and cozy love because there’s none found here. If you are the type that will binge watch serial killer documentaries and trying to guess all the workings of their minds then this will be right up your alley! Couldn’t put this down!
Seriously I am not sure if there’s a single word that could
Sum up this book but thrilling is probably the closest. From chapter one my heart was on edge. My obsession with serial killers and the way they work on high alert. There is no slow burn for anxiety inducing events because it’s in your face, no holds bar thill ride. Even now after finishing my insides are all tied up and I’m still coming down from the rush. Don’t look for happily ever after a or sweet and cozy love because there’s none found here. If you are the type that will binge watch serial killer documentaries and trying to guess all the workings of their minds then this will be right up your alley! Couldn’t put this down!
November 12, 2020
Unsettled is unlike any book I've ever read and certainly unlike any other book from A.J. Wolf. My mind is completely blown after this. This story was absolute genius. The intensity, creativity, and overall plot is... Okay I'm at a loss for words here and completely mindfu*cked in the best way possible! I LOVE this book!! Officially one of my favorites!
November 17, 2020
‘...but for a few precious moments, I can pretend. I can pretend I'm not the girl who fucks strangers in the dark so they don't see my scars. That I'm not the girl who cries into her pillow over the pain in her chest she doesn't understand. That I'm not the girl who has nothing and no one.’
Rating: 4.5
At this point I’m fully convinced that AJ Wolf can do no wrong. Every book she puts out is pure perfection and this book is certainly no different.
I’m not usually one for psychological thrillers but I got to say this one may have converted me. From the very beginning it had my heart pounding and my hands shaking with anticipation. It’s dark, graphic, sadistically sensual, a little psychotic and exhilarating. It had me on the edge of my seat and kept me wanting more.
I highly recommend this to anyone who like a graphic psychological thriller.
Please note: This book does contents that some readers may find triggering and/disturbing.
Rating: 4.5
At this point I’m fully convinced that AJ Wolf can do no wrong. Every book she puts out is pure perfection and this book is certainly no different.
I’m not usually one for psychological thrillers but I got to say this one may have converted me. From the very beginning it had my heart pounding and my hands shaking with anticipation. It’s dark, graphic, sadistically sensual, a little psychotic and exhilarating. It had me on the edge of my seat and kept me wanting more.
I highly recommend this to anyone who like a graphic psychological thriller.
Please note: This book does contents that some readers may find triggering and/disturbing.
December 6, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How am I supposed to write this review? Ok, first I’m going to start with a bit of a fan girl moment. I fell in love with AJ’s Bloody Business series and she instantly became one of my go to authors. So, when I found out she was writing a suspense thriller, I was legit GIDDY with excitement. The expectations I had were COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER! As you probably know with all of my reviews, I cannot summarise a plot to save my life, so I can only implore you to read this. If you love dark, twisted, thought boggling thrillers, then this is the book for you.
I must admit, half-way through I was questioning where the plot was going and then BAM, plot twist and I was gobsmacked. I was riveted in this story from start to finish. It pushed my boundaries, kept me guessing, had me constantly thinking and was engaging beyond belief.
I’m writing this review a few days after finishing Unsettled and I am still hung up on it. My friend reminded me while writing it how I facetimed her almost immediately after. My eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and I was talking so fast and rambling she thought I was insane! That reaction is my reason for reading. So, congratulations AJ on creating a gripping suspense thriller! I truly think you found your calling and I for one am beyond excited to see what you write next.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
--------------------
Before review.
Umm. I’m speechless. Full review to come when I sort all my thoughts and feelings out. 😳
How am I supposed to write this review? Ok, first I’m going to start with a bit of a fan girl moment. I fell in love with AJ’s Bloody Business series and she instantly became one of my go to authors. So, when I found out she was writing a suspense thriller, I was legit GIDDY with excitement. The expectations I had were COMPLETELY BLOWN OUT OF THE WATER! As you probably know with all of my reviews, I cannot summarise a plot to save my life, so I can only implore you to read this. If you love dark, twisted, thought boggling thrillers, then this is the book for you.
I must admit, half-way through I was questioning where the plot was going and then BAM, plot twist and I was gobsmacked. I was riveted in this story from start to finish. It pushed my boundaries, kept me guessing, had me constantly thinking and was engaging beyond belief.
I’m writing this review a few days after finishing Unsettled and I am still hung up on it. My friend reminded me while writing it how I facetimed her almost immediately after. My eyes were wide, pupils dilated, and I was talking so fast and rambling she thought I was insane! That reaction is my reason for reading. So, congratulations AJ on creating a gripping suspense thriller! I truly think you found your calling and I for one am beyond excited to see what you write next.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
--------------------
Before review.
Umm. I’m speechless. Full review to come when I sort all my thoughts and feelings out. 😳
November 16, 2020
Will have you shocked and overwhelmed but not wanting to stop reading definitely will have your mind blown away 🖤
October 12, 2021
5 UNNERVING STARS!! This book was unnerving, but I loved every word. It was so different....an original....wow all I can say was dark and twisted. I could not put it down....just read it.
January 16, 2021
wowowowow. murrrrrrder🔪
a thriller romance and i was thoroughly ✨thrilled✨ loved that this was a short read cus my brain can only take so much darkness.
a thriller romance and i was thoroughly ✨thrilled✨ loved that this was a short read cus my brain can only take so much darkness.
January 22, 2021
STORY: ★★★★★
PROOFREADING: ★★
OVERALL: ★★★.5
“I hate that I allow myself to be used. I hate that I allow my strings to be stroked and plucked at the will of others. I hate that I like it. I hate that a dark, sick part of me clings to it because it's all I can get.”
STORY:
This was one of the more innovative, exciting stories I’ve read lately!!! Hadley is absolutely bizarre, but in the best possible way! With her mood ring serving as her emotional compass, she engages in off-the-wall, absolutely fascinating, unpredictable behaviors! I personally didn’t figure out who the bad guy was until deep into the story which was awesome! It’s truly a brilliant story!
EDITING/PROOFREADING:
*** If you aren’t AJ Wolf or curious about my critical eye, I’d stop reading here***
As it seems to be with every book I read lately, this one also had a distracting amount of mistakes:
-The wrong sentences with the wrong words used (BRUSH for BRUSHING, FURTHER when it should’ve been FARTHER, THAT instead of WHO, MIGHT for MAY, ONTO even when it should’ve been ON TO, TITLED for TILTED, GRAVELY for GRAVELLY, B LINE for BEELINE and BINES when it should’ve been BINDS.
-Words were spelled differently throughout the book (for example, RIB CAGE in one place, RIBCAGE in others).
-There were some really long on sentences (that or commas were erroneously used in lieu of periods). For example, “I watch her back as we climb them, eyes catching on the slight sway of her golden hair, I have to make a conscious effort to keep my breathing under control.”).
-Sentences sometimes contained the wrong word (“...he runs both of us hands up my ribcage...”) and sentences that just didn’t make sense (“I don't mind, though, if anything, I almost wish I couldn't at all.”).
-There were sentences with extra words (“Opening the front door, I simply step walk out,”).
-Random words were capitalized that shouldn’t have been (for example, “Rabbits”).
-Ellipses we’re not spaced as dictated by the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), were used when dashes should have been used, and although they should’ve contained 3 dots, sometimes contained 2, 3 or 4 dots.
-Rather than using them to separate 2 complete sentences as they are intended to, semicolons were used incorrectly, usually in place of commas.
-Commas were sometimes missing between adjectives.
-Oxford commas were sporadically used, not consistently.
-Although she did occasionally utilize the FANBOYS rule for commas, there are exceptions for SO that were overlooked.
-Rules for commas regarding the word OH we’re not followed (for example, “Oh yea” should’ve been, “Oh, yea”).
-Occasionally, extra commas were used when not needed (for example, “Dad said, you haven’t been by the pharmacy in a while”).
-CMOS rules for documenting time were not followed (for example, two AM”).
***Fortunately, all of these are things most readers won’t even notice, are super easy to fix (I’d love to proofread/edit for you, A.J. 😉) and didn’t diminish how excited I am to read more by this author!!
PROOFREADING: ★★
OVERALL: ★★★.5
“I hate that I allow myself to be used. I hate that I allow my strings to be stroked and plucked at the will of others. I hate that I like it. I hate that a dark, sick part of me clings to it because it's all I can get.”
STORY:
This was one of the more innovative, exciting stories I’ve read lately!!! Hadley is absolutely bizarre, but in the best possible way! With her mood ring serving as her emotional compass, she engages in off-the-wall, absolutely fascinating, unpredictable behaviors! I personally didn’t figure out who the bad guy was until deep into the story which was awesome! It’s truly a brilliant story!
EDITING/PROOFREADING:
*** If you aren’t AJ Wolf or curious about my critical eye, I’d stop reading here***
As it seems to be with every book I read lately, this one also had a distracting amount of mistakes:
-The wrong sentences with the wrong words used (BRUSH for BRUSHING, FURTHER when it should’ve been FARTHER, THAT instead of WHO, MIGHT for MAY, ONTO even when it should’ve been ON TO, TITLED for TILTED, GRAVELY for GRAVELLY, B LINE for BEELINE and BINES when it should’ve been BINDS.
-Words were spelled differently throughout the book (for example, RIB CAGE in one place, RIBCAGE in others).
-There were some really long on sentences (that or commas were erroneously used in lieu of periods). For example, “I watch her back as we climb them, eyes catching on the slight sway of her golden hair, I have to make a conscious effort to keep my breathing under control.”).
-Sentences sometimes contained the wrong word (“...he runs both of us hands up my ribcage...”) and sentences that just didn’t make sense (“I don't mind, though, if anything, I almost wish I couldn't at all.”).
-There were sentences with extra words (“Opening the front door, I simply step walk out,”).
-Random words were capitalized that shouldn’t have been (for example, “Rabbits”).
-Ellipses we’re not spaced as dictated by the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), were used when dashes should have been used, and although they should’ve contained 3 dots, sometimes contained 2, 3 or 4 dots.
-Rather than using them to separate 2 complete sentences as they are intended to, semicolons were used incorrectly, usually in place of commas.
-Commas were sometimes missing between adjectives.
-Oxford commas were sporadically used, not consistently.
-Although she did occasionally utilize the FANBOYS rule for commas, there are exceptions for SO that were overlooked.
-Rules for commas regarding the word OH we’re not followed (for example, “Oh yea” should’ve been, “Oh, yea”).
-Occasionally, extra commas were used when not needed (for example, “Dad said, you haven’t been by the pharmacy in a while”).
-CMOS rules for documenting time were not followed (for example, two AM”).
***Fortunately, all of these are things most readers won’t even notice, are super easy to fix (I’d love to proofread/edit for you, A.J. 😉) and didn’t diminish how excited I am to read more by this author!!
November 22, 2020
WHAT IN THE WHAT.
Honestly, I’m not even sure what to say about this book. It totally warped my mind. And- it lived up to its title. It unsettled me to my core.
This is not my normal reading genre- nor is it what we’ve read from AJ before. We still have her dark, meta, eloquent prose- but this is a psychological thriller- so it is intensely cerebral. I'm not even sure this has a genre- it is psychological thriller, but it is also heavy on horror.
AJ treats us to twin narratives- Hadley and Rhys in one and the ever looming Butterfly Kiss Killer in the other. Hadley is a heroine who has been through some stuff- lusting after her friend Rhys. And the killer- WOAH. AJ goes there- we get see and hear the grizzly details- its macabre and disturbed (READ: TRIGGERS).
It took a bit for anything to progress, but that is in part that this is really about getting into the minds of these characters. There are some twists- which I saw coming before we got to the second half, but I still didn’t know how it would all come together and end up. And the ending? MIND BOGGLING AND DISTURBING.
This was an interesting and unique read- definitely unsettling, but if you like dark, macabre, and unusual stories, you’d love this. And, while it might not be something I'd seek out, I can appreciate the creativity and point of view here.
IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND- this book is DARK DARK- very twisted. Triggers all over the place. It is incredibly jarring. And, even though it is described as a romantic suspense, this is really not a romance in any way we conceptualize it. Sure, there is sex- but there was really no romance here to me- and certainly no love. Only a big mind-f.
Honestly, I’m not even sure what to say about this book. It totally warped my mind. And- it lived up to its title. It unsettled me to my core.
This is not my normal reading genre- nor is it what we’ve read from AJ before. We still have her dark, meta, eloquent prose- but this is a psychological thriller- so it is intensely cerebral. I'm not even sure this has a genre- it is psychological thriller, but it is also heavy on horror.
AJ treats us to twin narratives- Hadley and Rhys in one and the ever looming Butterfly Kiss Killer in the other. Hadley is a heroine who has been through some stuff- lusting after her friend Rhys. And the killer- WOAH. AJ goes there- we get see and hear the grizzly details- its macabre and disturbed (READ: TRIGGERS).
It took a bit for anything to progress, but that is in part that this is really about getting into the minds of these characters. There are some twists- which I saw coming before we got to the second half, but I still didn’t know how it would all come together and end up. And the ending? MIND BOGGLING AND DISTURBING.
This was an interesting and unique read- definitely unsettling, but if you like dark, macabre, and unusual stories, you’d love this. And, while it might not be something I'd seek out, I can appreciate the creativity and point of view here.
IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND- this book is DARK DARK- very twisted. Triggers all over the place. It is incredibly jarring. And, even though it is described as a romantic suspense, this is really not a romance in any way we conceptualize it. Sure, there is sex- but there was really no romance here to me- and certainly no love. Only a big mind-f.
January 6, 2021
OMG UNSETTLED WAS NOT AT ALL WHAT I WAS EXPECTING!
It’s thrilling, brilliant, mind-blowing, and intense all packed into 100 something pages. This book was out of this world and truly unlike anything I’ve ever read. I don’t normally read psychotic thrillers, but something about the cover and the blurb pulled me in. Unsettled takes you on a rollercoaster and showcase’s AJ’s ingenious mind. The anticipation in this novel was shocking, overwhelming and it damn near killed me. Unsettled is dark and twisted and I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved it. I’m going to stop now before I start rambling incoherently because this book left me speechless and I’m amazed I was able to write anything.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s thrilling, brilliant, mind-blowing, and intense all packed into 100 something pages. This book was out of this world and truly unlike anything I’ve ever read. I don’t normally read psychotic thrillers, but something about the cover and the blurb pulled me in. Unsettled takes you on a rollercoaster and showcase’s AJ’s ingenious mind. The anticipation in this novel was shocking, overwhelming and it damn near killed me. Unsettled is dark and twisted and I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved it. I’m going to stop now before I start rambling incoherently because this book left me speechless and I’m amazed I was able to write anything.
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 3, 2023
As soon as i found out about this book i instantly started looking forward to it. I had to add it to my TBR List right away. I picked it up as soon as i could and got into it quickly. I enjoyed this story!
I wasn’t sure what all to expect going into this story which I really liked. It pulled me in from the start and I could picture it all clearly. I loved how i felt so much throughout reading and the way this story kept me on my toes.
With Unsettled, Halle has created such a good and dark read that had such a uniqueness to it! I can’t wait to read more from her!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Having read this story once before i've been wanting to experience it again! Once again i got right back into this story and i enjoyed it!
Whenever a story can not only pull me in, but keep me on edge with my heart racing as well is something i so enjoy and Unsettled had me that way from start to finish! Getting to see how everything was going to play out had me locked on my kindle.
I dived right into the darkness and oh did this story and it's characters have me feeling so much! From the writing to the characters i was kept on my toes throughout!
With Unsettled, Halle has created such a good and dark story that'll keep you turning the pages and feeling many things! I am so looking forward to more from this author!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Peachy Keen Author Services / the author*
I wasn’t sure what all to expect going into this story which I really liked. It pulled me in from the start and I could picture it all clearly. I loved how i felt so much throughout reading and the way this story kept me on my toes.
With Unsettled, Halle has created such a good and dark read that had such a uniqueness to it! I can’t wait to read more from her!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Wildfire Marketing Solutions / the author*
Having read this story once before i've been wanting to experience it again! Once again i got right back into this story and i enjoyed it!
Whenever a story can not only pull me in, but keep me on edge with my heart racing as well is something i so enjoy and Unsettled had me that way from start to finish! Getting to see how everything was going to play out had me locked on my kindle.
I dived right into the darkness and oh did this story and it's characters have me feeling so much! From the writing to the characters i was kept on my toes throughout!
With Unsettled, Halle has created such a good and dark story that'll keep you turning the pages and feeling many things! I am so looking forward to more from this author!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Peachy Keen Author Services / the author*
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October 7, 2021
I don’t know wtf I just read but I LOVED it. From the moment I started reading Unsettled I was captivated; I was hooked and I couldn’t put it down. It is addictive, dark, twisted and jaw dropping. I can’t even form begin to form words to describe how much I love this book.
Unsettled is not going to be for everyone. There are many things that could trigger someone, so read this at your own risk.
Beautiful women are turning up dead all over town with a beautiful origami butterfly on their bodies. Night after night this is happening. No one knows who the Butterfly Kisses killer is. What their motives are. This story will have you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out who is behind it.
AJ Wolf wrote a beautifully, twisted story that made my psychological thriller lover soul so insanely happy. This story isn’t for the faint of heart and if you can handle it, it is a MUST READ!!!!!
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November 26, 2023
What did I just read
October 8, 2021
Twisted, Dark, Psychological Thriller alert
First off, this one is a really dark read but certainly I wouldn't call it a dark romance with blood play and brutal killings. So read with caution if you're comfortable with such themes.
After a long time I've read a book that has left me feeling unsure and like I've been knocked on my head.
I'm Numb and reeling after reading this crazy thriller journey.
You really don't get anything from the blurb and I'd suggest to just dive into this one but be prepared for a mind-f***king journey.
There are mysterious killings happening in the town with killer's signature paper butterflies left on them. Nobody has a clue as to who could it be.
We get to see from the murderer' pov and honestly that was chilling with the brutality and the twisted workings of a crazy mind you get to witness.
Then there's Hadley who just yearns to belong and not be alone. She casually hooks up with men only to feel a ounce of affection. Then there's her friend Rhys who's always there for her.
Even though what Rhys and Hadley have is rough and twisted, they share a darkness together that I wouldn't call it exactly a dark romance.
This one was truly twisted in the brutality and killings and the mystery surrounding them.
The killer is a truly psychotic person.
There's a twist that when I realised had me like 😳😳😳😳. This one is a unpredictable, thriller for sure.
First off, this one is a really dark read but certainly I wouldn't call it a dark romance with blood play and brutal killings. So read with caution if you're comfortable with such themes.
After a long time I've read a book that has left me feeling unsure and like I've been knocked on my head.
I'm Numb and reeling after reading this crazy thriller journey.
You really don't get anything from the blurb and I'd suggest to just dive into this one but be prepared for a mind-f***king journey.
There are mysterious killings happening in the town with killer's signature paper butterflies left on them. Nobody has a clue as to who could it be.
We get to see from the murderer' pov and honestly that was chilling with the brutality and the twisted workings of a crazy mind you get to witness.
Then there's Hadley who just yearns to belong and not be alone. She casually hooks up with men only to feel a ounce of affection. Then there's her friend Rhys who's always there for her.
Even though what Rhys and Hadley have is rough and twisted, they share a darkness together that I wouldn't call it exactly a dark romance.
This one was truly twisted in the brutality and killings and the mystery surrounding them.
The killer is a truly psychotic person.
There's a twist that when I realised had me like 😳😳😳😳. This one is a unpredictable, thriller for sure.
November 14, 2020
Unsettled is a dark and twisted book by author AJ Wolf. Girls have been turning up brutally murdered with little mementos left on their bodies…but who is the killer? A young woman is left drowning in her own darkness….but who is going to save her? A young man is brutal and dangerous…but who is he? All questions that this book raises.
We follow the story of Hadley as she goes through day to day, meeting up with Rhys in random places. Both of them are broken, both of them are dark and their relationship is like a vipers nest, writhing with poison and passion that seems to consume them both.
This book is dark, with secretive characters who seem set on keeping secrets and opening wounds. Hadley is a weird girl and her fascination with Rhys, who is dominant and cruel verges on the obsessive. We also have the story of the Butterfly Killer who we follow as they kill numerous women on their search for the ‘one.’
The twist and turns of this book will leave you gasping for breath and guessing until the very end! It’s darkly delicious and certainly not for the faint hearted!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
We follow the story of Hadley as she goes through day to day, meeting up with Rhys in random places. Both of them are broken, both of them are dark and their relationship is like a vipers nest, writhing with poison and passion that seems to consume them both.
This book is dark, with secretive characters who seem set on keeping secrets and opening wounds. Hadley is a weird girl and her fascination with Rhys, who is dominant and cruel verges on the obsessive. We also have the story of the Butterfly Killer who we follow as they kill numerous women on their search for the ‘one.’
The twist and turns of this book will leave you gasping for breath and guessing until the very end! It’s darkly delicious and certainly not for the faint hearted!
ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
November 14, 2020
UNSETTLED @ajwolfauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Total mind bender! Omg. I can’t say sh!t without giving it away but WHAT. THE. FUDGE???!!!
AJ. You are brilliant. I’m not usually one for these types of stories but I got this book be cause this woman is one of the kindest women on this planet and she has such a way with storytelling.
Unsettled was just absolutely insane. The 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 type of insane. I had totally different expectations for the twist so I was completely thrown off when it was completely different. Soooo damn good.
In my opinion, John Cusack movies got NOTHING on this book.
Five twisted stars.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Total mind bender! Omg. I can’t say sh!t without giving it away but WHAT. THE. FUDGE???!!!
AJ. You are brilliant. I’m not usually one for these types of stories but I got this book be cause this woman is one of the kindest women on this planet and she has such a way with storytelling.
Unsettled was just absolutely insane. The 𝐼 𝑑𝑖𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 type of insane. I had totally different expectations for the twist so I was completely thrown off when it was completely different. Soooo damn good.
In my opinion, John Cusack movies got NOTHING on this book.
Five twisted stars.
December 1, 2020
I was drawn to this story like no other, I couldn’t wait to see what came next and I couldn’t stop thinking about the “Butterfly Kisses” chapters. Being in the mind of a serial killer is oddly fascinating. Totally didn’t expect who the butterfly killer was at all. I had my theories, and one came close but I didn’t pick it! When it’s at the end and all is revealed, it’s really makes you think how AJ Wolf knitted this story together so seamlessly and without flaws. It’s a great story, great writing and I really comment it if you like the darker psychological thrillers!
November 2, 2021
Twisted, Dark, Psychological Thriller alert
First off, this one is a really dark read but certainly I wouldn't call it a dark romance with blood play and brutal killings. So read with caution if you're comfortable with such themes.
After a long time I've read a book that has left me feeling unsure and like I've been knocked on my head.
I'm Numb and reeling after reading this crazy thriller journey.
You really don't get anything from the blurb and I'd suggest to just dive into this one but be prepared for a mind-f***king journey.
There are mysterious killings happening in the town with killer's signature paper butterflies left on them. Nobody has a clue as to who could it be.
We get to see from the murderer' pov and honestly that was chilling with the brutality and the twisted workings of a crazy mind you get to witness.
Then there's Hadley who just yearns to belong and not be alone. She casually hooks up with men only to feel a ounce of affection. Then there's her friend Rhys who's always there for her.
Even though what Rhys and Hadley have is rough and twisted, they share a darkness together that I wouldn't call it exactly a dark romance.
This one was truly twisted in the brutality and killings and the mystery surrounding them.
The killer is a truly psychotic person.
There's a twist that when I realised had me like 😳😳😳😳. This one is a unpredictable, thriller for sure.
First off, this one is a really dark read but certainly I wouldn't call it a dark romance with blood play and brutal killings. So read with caution if you're comfortable with such themes.
After a long time I've read a book that has left me feeling unsure and like I've been knocked on my head.
I'm Numb and reeling after reading this crazy thriller journey.
You really don't get anything from the blurb and I'd suggest to just dive into this one but be prepared for a mind-f***king journey.
There are mysterious killings happening in the town with killer's signature paper butterflies left on them. Nobody has a clue as to who could it be.
We get to see from the murderer' pov and honestly that was chilling with the brutality and the twisted workings of a crazy mind you get to witness.
Then there's Hadley who just yearns to belong and not be alone. She casually hooks up with men only to feel a ounce of affection. Then there's her friend Rhys who's always there for her.
Even though what Rhys and Hadley have is rough and twisted, they share a darkness together that I wouldn't call it exactly a dark romance.
This one was truly twisted in the brutality and killings and the mystery surrounding them.
The killer is a truly psychotic person.
There's a twist that when I realised had me like 😳😳😳😳. This one is a unpredictable, thriller for sure.
November 29, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS
This book was filled with suspense and kept me guessing up until the end. It was twisted and dark, so different than what I'm used to from A.J. Wolf. Unsettled by A.J. Wolf is a MUST read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
This book was filled with suspense and kept me guessing up until the end. It was twisted and dark, so different than what I'm used to from A.J. Wolf. Unsettled by A.J. Wolf is a MUST read that will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!!!
October 9, 2021
Updated 10/7/2021
The story was just as good as I remembered it. My original review stands.
****
First AJ Wolf read...did not disappoint!
From page one I was sucked in and captured by the Butterfly Kisses. As I'm reading, I'm thinking this is just the kind of movie I love to watch.
I thought I knew what was going on. I thought I had an idea of how this was going to end. Guess what? I was sooo wrong.
AJ you got me and took this book in a completely different direction. My jaw dropped!!! And I'm wondering if I missed anything or was that the plan, to make me think this was going one way and then BAM! GOTCHA!
If you like thrillers and suspense, this one is for you. Absolutely fitting for a Friday the 13th read.
The story was just as good as I remembered it. My original review stands.
****
First AJ Wolf read...did not disappoint!
From page one I was sucked in and captured by the Butterfly Kisses. As I'm reading, I'm thinking this is just the kind of movie I love to watch.
I thought I knew what was going on. I thought I had an idea of how this was going to end. Guess what? I was sooo wrong.
AJ you got me and took this book in a completely different direction. My jaw dropped!!! And I'm wondering if I missed anything or was that the plan, to make me think this was going one way and then BAM! GOTCHA!
If you like thrillers and suspense, this one is for you. Absolutely fitting for a Friday the 13th read.
November 25, 2020
Wow I am speechless after reading this book!!! What a brilliant unique mysterious romantic psychological/thriller this book was !!! I so was not expecting this type of read I actually read this book on Friday the 13th and it was absolutely the perfect read for that night ! This story was such a twisted mind fuck I just don’t even know where to start I am left in awe of this beautiful dark romantic tale . This authors writing was flawless her prose beautiful ! I’ve read literally everything this author has published and I’ve loved every single story she is definitely making her mark in the indie author world and I’m so here for it !
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book **
** I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book **
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