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Hidden cove

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Dreaming can be dangerous…

Until recently, Kiri Sullivan was employed as a technician at the innovative DreamReader laboratory. She even volunteered for the early trials herself.
But she never realized that a large enough sample of her dreaming brainwaves had been recorded to create one of the first-ever electronic profiles.
Unique as a fingerprint, it could be used to identify her while she’s dreaming.
And now it’s in the hands of a murderer. If Kiri’s dreams are scanned from afar and a match is made, then he’ll know exactly where she’s hiding.
Luckily, she’s found the perfect bolt-hole at Hidden Cove, a tiny inlet on the northeastern coast of Maine. After setting up camp, she settles down to wait out the danger.
But it’s not long before Kiri discovers that someone else is living at Hidden Cove.

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Published January 1, 2022

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Linn Chapel

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Marion Over.
411 reviews9 followers
February 23, 2022
Another great book from Linn Chapel. This takes place on the wooded coast of Maine and that is one of the things I really enjoy about Chapel's stories. There is always a hauntingly beautiful setting.

Unlike her cozy paranormal mysteries this is a fast-paced thriller with that touch of supernatural one can expect from this author. I wasn't sure what I would think, I'm very fond of her cozy stories. I really enjoyed it and it was hard to put down. She does thriller/ paranormal/ romance very well.

You have a woman running for her life. Her hunters can track her by her dreams if they can find her general area. She runs to the notoriously haunted woods to camp out and hide. She's not alone though. A mysterious man finds her hiding from the weather in a cave..... What follows is a crazy emotional rollercoaster of being stalked by drones, haunted by the unknown and a deeper attraction to a stranger that has almost no emotions at all. It's a spooky story. I really enjoyed it.

I received this ARC from Booksirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for carla.
191 reviews40 followers
January 17, 2023
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is now published.

I didn’t know what to expect from this book. It was billed as a contemporary gothic romance, but I’d say it was more paranormal than gothic. Luckily not paranormal horror, which would have been disastrous for my easily frightened disposition. I was intrigued to see what would happen. So, let’s dive into this.

What’s Going On?
Kiri Sullivan must flee her city after overhearing her boss, Jasper, planning a murder on the phone. If she doesn’t, her Jasper will find out she knows about his dalliances and will kill her too. To further complicate things, his line of work is very...unique. See, Kiri has been helping him launch DreamReader Technologies — a company specializing in capturing, re-enacting, predicting, and tracking dreams. And Kiri’s dreams were recorded in the trials, so Jasper can locate her by her dreamprint. So yeah, she’s gotta go. Immediately.
She finds refuge in an isolated Maine coastal area, the Hidden Cove. There, she meets Leyland, the sole inhabiter of the presumably abandoned place. He is literally the most unemotional person she’s ever met, so things are kind of odd between them. As time progresses, they learn about each other’s — and the Cove’s — dark pasts. But how long can the Hidden Cove give sanctuary?

What Works?
• I appreciated Chapel’s commitment to developing Kiri and Leyland’s relationship. I hate when there’s no build. This felt more believable and thus made it easier to root for them.
• Themes of waiting executed excellently throughout. Both Kiri and Leyland are stuck in the “in-between” and begin trudging through it over the course of this novel. Even better: interdependence. They grow side by side, but they remain their own characters. The true mark of a solid relationship.
• Fascinating use of dreams and trickery
• Plot relies on intricacies that must be perceived. I don’t encounter this too often, but I love when authors rely on the readers in this way — it shows that they trust them.
• Well-explained phenomena, from the medical to the technological to even the spiritual in a way

What Needs Work?
• Jasper’s initial crime lacked urgency. I felt its significance in retrospect after the fact, towards the end.
• No backstory on DreamReader Technologies. It’s such an interesting, jarring concept with so much potential, so it would have strengthened the world building if its history was developed. Story does touch upon the implications of such technology though.
• 3rd person Kiri-limited POV for almost the entire first quarter, then randomly introduced 3rd person Leyland-limited POV. (And a random, unnecessary POV switch to another character towards the end.) The narrative would’ve been stronger if we switched between the two POVs from the start. Then we could get exposition from Leyland and learn more about the Hidden Cove. It would have built up its intrigue and image (whilst preserving the mystery).
• Overuse of certain words (i.e. suddenly, stiffened, murmured). I’m very sensitive to this, so I get more bothered than most. If it’s not an issue for you, great.

Who Should Read This?
People who like fast-paced, plot-driven contemporary-but-of-a-slightly-different-world novels with the environment as a character!

According to Chapel’s author’s note at the end, there will be a sequel (though this can certainly be read as a stand alone). I’d be interested in reading depending on the premise.
Profile Image for Laura (auntieyorgareads).
92 reviews10 followers
February 22, 2022
I received a review copy of this eBook for free from the author and BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily as a courtesy.

Overall, this gothic thriller romance was a good read and I enjoyed that the writing was simple and easy to read. I flew through this novella rather quickly and enjoyed the ideas behind the different themes. In particular, I was impressed by the idea of dreamprints, the suspenseful aspect of Kiri running from trouble, the interesting story of Leyland's lack of emotions, and the indigenous mythological stories.

Unfortunately for me, some of the aspects of this novella fell a little flat. I felt that there could have been a bit more depth in the character development, more focus on the romance between the main characters, and perhaps an even deeper dive into indigenous mythologies. I am someone who is highly sensitive and has a large depth of big emotions, and I felt like that could have been explored a bit more in Kiri's case. Her heightened emotions were mentioned, but I didn't really get a good feel for that here. In all honesty, I felt that this novella would have been much better as a full-length novel! While I appreciated the ease with which I was able to read through this novella quickly, I really wanted just a little bit more of those stories to make it even more special.

I genuinely appreciate the opportunity I was given to read this and look forward to seeing the sequel in the future.
Profile Image for Vedha K.
230 reviews13 followers
March 7, 2022
Hidden cove was a short and crisp read which was a Sci Fi turned thriller. My reason for picking up this book is the premise of dreams and the hidden place concept. Intrigued and I moved and i can say i am not disappointed but wished there were more logical descriptions. Since we were left with assumptions in many places.

Kiri our protagonist stumbles upon a dangerous secret on her last day of work. Since that moment she is on the run and ends up in am island where she encounters strange phenomenon and finds solution for her predicament.

Kiri was likeable with her no nonsense attitude and easy next door type who doesn't act. Her reasons for her actions were valid and so was her decisions

And we are taken for lot of twists with introduction of tribal tales of supernatural entities. The dream project and the island stories were refreshingly retold and held a lot of potential wherever they were used.

With sudden shift toward the climax we lose a bit of context during the confrontation and memory surfacing.

If only the climax and the final meet were written properly we would have a complete thriller at hand. Too many assumptions spoil the essence of what is needed.

And the chapter headings look like headings of school essays which reveals the content before we get to read it with suspense.

Overall a crisp read without lagging and a good plot. With few more details could have been a 5 star read.

This is my review of the ARC I received from Booksirens.
19 reviews
February 25, 2022
The description calls this a gothic romance and romantic thriller. It was both of those but also much more. The romance is slow-building and sweet but also not the primary focus of the story. It’s a mystery/thriller with fantasy and supernatural elements. The plot builds well and increases in mystery and urgency as it goes. The characters are well developed although it takes quite awhile to get enough backstory on Leyland to understand him and really care about him. The company that Kiri had worked for - Dreamreader - was involved in really interesting research using dreams and a little more about the research she’d been a part of would have been nice, but it wasn’t completely necessary to the plot.
Kiri is running and hiding from her former boss after she overheard him order a murder. When she tries to warn the intended victim, she’s too late. She speaks to another person that was a part of the research on dreams and mapping brainwaves. He warns her that her participation in the research will allow them to track her down by searching for her dreamprint. She goes on the run immediately and heads to a tiny town on the coast of Maine. She plans to camp in a remote cove nearby but finds she’s not the only one there. When she tries to leave, she’s injured, making it impossible for her to hike back out of the forest.
Leyland is the strange, awkward man that lives in the abandoned house hidden in the cove. He finds Kiri on his land and tells her to leave but when she’s injured he’s forced to help her. He’s an emotionless man who depends on his solitude and routine. Kiri’s presence disrupts both making things very uncomfortable in the house.
Both Kiri and Leyland are hiding from the outside world. We know why Kiri is, but learning Leyland’s reason is part of the mystery. Is the small hidden cove remote enough to keep Kiri safe? Is there a reason the townspeople believe the cove is haunted? Can Kiri get law enforcement to take her claims seriously and put an end to her hiding? This book was much more than I expected it to be and it was very enjoyable. I’m so glad I took a chance on a book a little outside my usual genres!
I read an Advanced Review Copy but my review is completely honest and voluntary.
Profile Image for Heather.
258 reviews29 followers
February 20, 2022
Hidden Cove by Linn Chapel was a fast paced novel that kept me interested in Kiri's story and what would happen next.

Kiri Sullivan just ended her employment at a technology company that specialized in dream research. While tying up lose ends she overheads her boss say that he has a hit out on another man. Kiri is able to escape to a hidden cove where she hopes her dreams will be hers alone. On this secluded cove, Kiri realizes that she is not alone but what could be on the cove and will the dream drones ever find her there?

I really liked the character development of Kiri. I was extremely invested in her story and felt my pulse race during many scenes. The cove was very creepy and I definitely felt uneasy reading about Kiri and her time on the cove, which was the point of this gothic romance thriller.

The romance was a slow burn which is a trope I enjoy and made the story that much better for me.

This is a story that will have you turning the pages to find out what in the world is happening on this cove and to find out what is going on with Kiri. I could not help but root for her!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
1,049 reviews15 followers
February 15, 2022
Kiri is just winding up her work at the dream research company to pursue her art. Returning to work late one day, she overhears an ominous conversation from the boss. She realizes that the dream recordings she had volunteered for also identified her through her dream print, and she could be located just by a drone flying a scanner overhead. Frightened for her life, Kiri plans to hide out on the coast of Maine and chooses Hidden Cove as an isolated spot. The cove and the old house are not empty, though. And neither is the cove itself. Has Kiri found a safe haven or is she in more danger than ever?

I enjoyed the two mysteries woven into the story, though the mystery surrounding her former job feels a little too detached from the mystery surrounding the man she meets in the cove and the evil in the cove itself.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
67 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2022
I received an ARC via Booksirens and this is my honest review.

Kiri previously worked as a tech assistant at DreamReader Technologies. On one particular night, she goes back inside the office to settle a few things, she overheard Jasper Currie giving instructions to orchestrate the murder of her ex-colleague. Not only Kiri worked there, but the company had access to her dreamprint (which is similar to a fingerprint but for dream waves) because she participated in some of their tests. So, Kiri went to a secluded, uninhabited, hidden cove to hide. Little did she knows, she's not alone there.

I loved it, especially because the writing is fast-paced. There was not one chapter that was boring. I was able to feel a lot of emotions throughout this book. It's hard to explain whether you would like it or not. It's the kind of book you should give a chance because it's different than the others.

Overall, if you want a quick paranormal romance book, this is for you.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,895 reviews
February 22, 2022
Kiri Sullivan recently left her job as a technician at Dream Reader laboratory. But before she leaves, she overhears her boss planning a murder. She had volunteered for some early trials and it turns out that her dreams can be used to locate her. Now she's on the run from a killer. She finds the perfect place to hide but it turns out she's not alone.

I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my honest, unbiased review. I really enjoyed Linn Chapel's Stonehaven series so I was eager to try this book. This book was well-written with wonderful characters and will hopefully be the first in a new series although it can be read as a stand-alone. There was action and suspense in this intriguing read along with a slow-building romance. The story drew me in from the beginning and kept me hooked until the end and I read it in one sitting. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Lucille.
150 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2022
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of “Hidden Cove” by Linn Chapel in return for an honest review. It turned out to be a fast-paced mystery story with a paranormal twist. Although the story was well thought out, it could have been elaborated on a bit more.
The world building is very good with good character development. The protagonists are believable. However, the development of the relationship between Kiri and Leyland could have been a bit more elaborated on. I think the story could have benefited from being told from the point of view of the two main characters alternatively.

The twist at the end comes totally completely unexpectedly. Well done! I enjoyed this book and gave it a well-deserved four stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Profile Image for StarLit Specter.
75 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2022
Hidden Cove is a gothic novel in the true sense of the term; full of mystery and an undercurrent of fear. It is part science fiction novel as well. Though, while there is a romance in this novel, I would not classify it as a romance novel. Kiri and Leyland’s story was gripping and an easy read. Their companionship was very sweet, but for me the romance wasn’t really there. This is the only thing holding me back from giving a full 5 stars, as it is being marketed as a romance. I did not see a label for this being a young adult novel, but it is very clean and I would personally classify it as such. It gave me throwback feelings to being in middle school and reading Lois Duncan novels religiously. If a quick, easy to read mystery with an undercurrent of romance is something you enjoy, look no further.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Julie Camino.
637 reviews4 followers
February 17, 2022
This story was very interesting, I like how I sucked into this world of danger and mystery. I really loved how the legends from old came a live in a this new world. So surprised that the story had a very uplifting effect on me, even with all the danger. So happy the way it ended and I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

The only thing I would say is that some parts of the story didn't make sense, not because it was not well written but because of editing. Some words where missing from the sentence to make sense or the wording was backwards. But that was the only bad thing on this book.... everything else I loved

I received this book for free for an honest review that I'm doing voluntarily.
Profile Image for Delphia  Von Heeder .
1,849 reviews58 followers
February 15, 2022
Hidden Cove is a new novel by Linn Chapel. Hidden Cove is a gothic romance, it has a touch of fantasy, and it is an amazing thriller. From the first page with Keri's last day at the Dream Reader Technology to the last page, the story is emotional, fast paced, surprising, just excellent! After Keri's boss ordered a hit on another employee, she runs to Hidden Cove in Maine to hide. She meets Leyland who lives in a house by the cove. And the crazyness begins. Unfortunately, the book is not part of a series, but I wish Linn Chapel would write a sequel. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
212 reviews3 followers
February 15, 2022
This story kept me engaged from the beginning to the end. It’s an easy read, but more importantly an interesting read.

Kiri didn’t leave her job in time. She got mixed up in something unexpected and unintentional.

Forced to go into hiding, she finds just the place. She thinks.

Leyland is tucked away in the cove for his own reasons. He wants her gone as soon as possible, yet he wants to help her too.

What they both discover is more than either bargained for. Both hiding. Both fighting for their lives. Both learning that legendary myths as impossible as may seem can be more real than anticipated.

Suspenseful and unexpected.
98 reviews2 followers
March 5, 2022
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

What a different take on control I simply love books about dreams and the power they hold over us affecting our moods and perceptions

This takes things to a whole new level scarily so dream prints people controlling your thoughts fascinating

Love conquers all although bit confused as to how she got with child as they only kissed glad of the ending though they deserved that

Great stories of mysteries of the sea tales of the sea creatures of the underworld rising up calling people trying to pull them down to the depths

This book has it all

A great read thank you
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,294 reviews60 followers
March 7, 2022
Hidden Cove hints at a bit of scifi in a seemingly paranormal romance. Less gothic than I anticipated but enjoyable, just the same. The story is a fast-paced thriller set on the coast of Maine. After hearing information at her place of work that will put her life in danger, Kiri flees to the remote woods of Hidden Cove. Hoping to be protected against those who seek her, she hunkers down in a dense area near an abandoned cabin. Kiri soon finds she’s not alone.

I found Hidden Cove to be an interesting and enjoyable read.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,965 reviews9 followers
March 11, 2022
Kiri worked at a company that mapped dreaming brainwaves which allowed them to track people when they are dreaming. She overhears something and realizes she must go into hiding. She thinks she found an isolated place, but she isn’t alone.

I really like this story. It is a quick read with a lot going on. The characters of Kiri and Leyland were very interesting. Staying safe from the human and paranormal enemies was a challenge. I can’t wait to read the next book!

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Avid Reader.
831 reviews7 followers
February 28, 2022
Kiri is an aspiring artist who takes on a lab job to bud up her savings. Just before leaving she overhears a conversation which terrifies her so she runs to the furthest most remote place she can find. There she encounters the soulless and unemotional Leyland. I don't want to give away any spoilers but it was a great story with many twists and turns and unexpected occurrences.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cricket1327_Zmob King.
221 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2022
The book was pretty good, just not really for me! BUT it was written really well with great characters and an really interesting storyline that was like a cross between sci-fi, paranormal and thriller! If you're into that kind of thing then I highly recommend this book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,311 reviews18 followers
February 16, 2022
this was a great gothic romance novel, the characters were exactly what I wanted from this type of book. The story was so well done and I enjoyed reading this.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mickey Kay Troxell.
254 reviews
March 19, 2022
Such an easy read! I enjoyed the story and the romance. The paranormal was surprising and I am glad that the two main characters got away. If there is a sequel, I will definitely read it!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Rachel.
172 reviews5 followers
February 22, 2022
This book was just not for me. It was trying to be too many genres in one for me to get on board.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Sherlene.
263 reviews2 followers
February 28, 2022
Talk about an epic read people!! This is definitely a fabulous must read, I can't wait to read the next book.. what an absolute hidden gem 💎
Profile Image for Denise.
4,120 reviews12 followers
March 1, 2022
In this we find out about the seriousness of dreams. Was a bit different which made for refreshing. This has thrills of murder and hide and seek. Turn the pages to follow the trail.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews