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Whiteout
When Grant Samson kidnaps the wrong woman, he swears it's an accident.
Melinda Sen knows he's lying; only a monster would ignore her screams for help as he drives her through the freezing Colorado mountains.
To make matters worse, a brutal blizzard descends upon the remote mountain cabin where Melinda is trapped. But as tension builds and sparks fly, Grant and Melinda discover there’s more at stake than limited provisions and dwindling heat. With their survival hanging in the balance, Melinda must choose between the staid safety of her passionless life and the promise of something more she feels with Grant.
Melinda Sen knows he's lying; only a monster would ignore her screams for help as he drives her through the freezing Colorado mountains.
To make matters worse, a brutal blizzard descends upon the remote mountain cabin where Melinda is trapped. But as tension builds and sparks fly, Grant and Melinda discover there’s more at stake than limited provisions and dwindling heat. With their survival hanging in the balance, Melinda must choose between the staid safety of her passionless life and the promise of something more she feels with Grant.
294 pages, Paperback
Published July 1, 2022
About the author
Mary Mandolin
1 book9 followersMary Mandolin seeks to understand her character’s deepest pain: When did it happen? What did they learn from it? Who did they become as a result? In her debut novel, she explores and write about the manner of love strong enough to overcome an unforgivable act.
Mary spent her formative years in the mountains outside of Denver and has come home to a remote plot of land in central California. She writes with permission from her two children, cats, and dogs, and with the support of her husband.
Mary spent her formative years in the mountains outside of Denver and has come home to a remote plot of land in central California. She writes with permission from her two children, cats, and dogs, and with the support of her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 29, 2026
This is a Romantic Suspense, and this is the first book in the Shades series. I loved the beginning and the ending, but I found the middle to be weird and not to flow well. Melinda's character drove me so crazy, and I just wanted to yell at her most of this book. The other characters were good. The parts were the characters talked to themselves drove me crazy. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
July 4, 2022
Not your typical kidnapping-to-romantic-interlude story
Melinda Sen is just coming home from a conference for foodies, only to believe, that her life borders on a passionless experiment. She writes a blog about taking what items of food you have in your pantry or refrigerator and making it a meal. She also writes a monthly magazine article about food. The presenters at the conference seemed to be so in tune to what they were doing while she felt like she was plodding along. For a young woman of only 32yo, something is missing. When she calls for a lift from the airport to her car parked in a long-term-parking lot, she gets a very big surprise!
“Mountain Man” and bear-size, Grant Samson is doing a friend a favor and “kidnapping” his fiancée from the airport, but this woman is really getting into her role as victim; yelling and screaming that he has the wrong person. She looks just like the picture his friend gave him, except in all honesty, she does look a little taller than expected. When he gets to their destination, 38yo Grant is appalled. He made a mistake…a criminal mistake! What transpires during the rest of the whiteout, is a made-for-TV romance.
Truly enjoyed this book but it took to about 50% to get interesting. Most of the first half is introspection from both characters as this book is told in dual POV. There is a poignant ending. I wish it took less time for the story to get interesting. Grant is a sweetheart so don’t expect your typical kidnapper behavior. Only a couple of steamy scenes but I wouldn’t downplay the passion they both exhibit. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
Melinda Sen is just coming home from a conference for foodies, only to believe, that her life borders on a passionless experiment. She writes a blog about taking what items of food you have in your pantry or refrigerator and making it a meal. She also writes a monthly magazine article about food. The presenters at the conference seemed to be so in tune to what they were doing while she felt like she was plodding along. For a young woman of only 32yo, something is missing. When she calls for a lift from the airport to her car parked in a long-term-parking lot, she gets a very big surprise!
“Mountain Man” and bear-size, Grant Samson is doing a friend a favor and “kidnapping” his fiancée from the airport, but this woman is really getting into her role as victim; yelling and screaming that he has the wrong person. She looks just like the picture his friend gave him, except in all honesty, she does look a little taller than expected. When he gets to their destination, 38yo Grant is appalled. He made a mistake…a criminal mistake! What transpires during the rest of the whiteout, is a made-for-TV romance.
Truly enjoyed this book but it took to about 50% to get interesting. Most of the first half is introspection from both characters as this book is told in dual POV. There is a poignant ending. I wish it took less time for the story to get interesting. Grant is a sweetheart so don’t expect your typical kidnapper behavior. Only a couple of steamy scenes but I wouldn’t downplay the passion they both exhibit. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens.
June 9, 2022
ARC BOOK REVIEW
First, I’d like to thank the author for this arc in exchange of my honest review and for being so lovely. Now, hear me out CoHo fans because if you haven’t read this book yet you’re going to love it. This is a romance book made with a dash of suspense (just at the beginning) and a dash of spice.
This book explores the relationship that forms between Grant and Melinda after he wrongly kidnaps her and they become trapped in a cabin because of a snow blizzard. As soon as he realizes his mistake, he tries to amend it and show Melinda he actually isn’t a bad guy. We see the character development that Melinda goes through: from complete horror to untrusting to denial to accepting what has happened and then accepting Grant.
The writing is simple, there are a lot of descriptions and their individuality was on point. Although I was a little disappointed they didn’t accept their feelings sooner (I was desperate to see them together already) the author wrote everything just as it was supposed to happen. This not what I usually read, especially since there’s pregnancy trope which I don’t like but I suppose it was necessary for the HEA. Nevertheless, I appreciated the writing, the characters and the story. It’s supposed to be a series of four books so I can’t wait to see what the author has planned.
First, I’d like to thank the author for this arc in exchange of my honest review and for being so lovely. Now, hear me out CoHo fans because if you haven’t read this book yet you’re going to love it. This is a romance book made with a dash of suspense (just at the beginning) and a dash of spice.
This book explores the relationship that forms between Grant and Melinda after he wrongly kidnaps her and they become trapped in a cabin because of a snow blizzard. As soon as he realizes his mistake, he tries to amend it and show Melinda he actually isn’t a bad guy. We see the character development that Melinda goes through: from complete horror to untrusting to denial to accepting what has happened and then accepting Grant.
The writing is simple, there are a lot of descriptions and their individuality was on point. Although I was a little disappointed they didn’t accept their feelings sooner (I was desperate to see them together already) the author wrote everything just as it was supposed to happen. This not what I usually read, especially since there’s pregnancy trope which I don’t like but I suppose it was necessary for the HEA. Nevertheless, I appreciated the writing, the characters and the story. It’s supposed to be a series of four books so I can’t wait to see what the author has planned.
July 8, 2022
I requested this ARC because survival romances are one of my favorite tropes! It was far from what I had been anticipating when I requested it though. Based on the description I believed the MMC, Grant, was going to be military, or for-hire, or there was going to be espionage or an external threat to our two lead characters, but that wasn’t the case. I was really expecting a thriller. What we have instead is a totally normal guy who is asked by a buddy to “kidnap” a woman in more of a practical joke or role-playing way, and the intended victim would have been in on the role-play. Unfortunately Grant mistakes our FMC, Melinda, for the intended kidnapee, and they end up trapped without electricity in a remote cabin while they both navigate their feelings about being attracted to one another after a traumatic accidental kidnapping.
The cabin is extremely well stocked, they’re able to stay warm, and there are no external threats, so this wasn’t much of a survival story. Melinda does sustain an injury that provides a little scare, but this book was much more about two characters being deeply introspective about their past and exploring their feelings about one another while trapped together. If that’s what I had been expecting I might have liked it more. As-is, there was a LOT of angst and staying apart because of the kidnapping trauma and not being able to trust the MMC, and I guess it was too realistic and boring for me because I was so ready for them to just jump all-in way before the end!
This was a new to me author, and I think I’ll read something by Mary Mandolin again because there’s potential here. This story just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The cabin is extremely well stocked, they’re able to stay warm, and there are no external threats, so this wasn’t much of a survival story. Melinda does sustain an injury that provides a little scare, but this book was much more about two characters being deeply introspective about their past and exploring their feelings about one another while trapped together. If that’s what I had been expecting I might have liked it more. As-is, there was a LOT of angst and staying apart because of the kidnapping trauma and not being able to trust the MMC, and I guess it was too realistic and boring for me because I was so ready for them to just jump all-in way before the end!
This was a new to me author, and I think I’ll read something by Mary Mandolin again because there’s potential here. This story just wasn’t for me.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2022
The kidnapped falling for the kidnapper is not a new concept but this author has put a completely new slant on it, Mary Mandolin has written a beautiful, witty, romantic love story
Melinda Sen was glad when her plane landed at the foothills of the rocky mountains, the weather forecast was grim, a car would pick her up and take her to the park and ride and she could head home to her condo before the weather got too bad……….and that was when it all went pear shaped.
Melinda was a bit of a loner, she was a food blogger "A Wing and a Prayer Kitchen" and also wrote a column for a magazine.
The cab picked her up and it soon dawned on Melinda that they were heading in the wrong direction, she was being kidnapped by a hunky mountain man, but why ?
Grant Samson lived in the mountains, he owned a snow plough business but he was doing a favour for a friend by pretending to kidnap his girlfriend and take her to his friend's mountain home. It soon became clear that it was a case of mistaken identity, to make matters worse the weather was so bad that he couldn't turn back, they were stuck in his friends luxury home with no power.
This story follows the horror and anguish of being kidnapped and Melinda's mistrust of Grant, the mortification when Grant realises that he has the wrong person and trying his best to smooth things over, the way Melinda coped by cooking from tins and packets, the way Grant chopped wood and melted water to keep them alive, the way the deep attraction grew.
Both Melinda and Grant had issues that neither had dealt with but enforced incarceration made them face up to them.
This story has really likeable characters and I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
Melinda Sen was glad when her plane landed at the foothills of the rocky mountains, the weather forecast was grim, a car would pick her up and take her to the park and ride and she could head home to her condo before the weather got too bad……….and that was when it all went pear shaped.
Melinda was a bit of a loner, she was a food blogger "A Wing and a Prayer Kitchen" and also wrote a column for a magazine.
The cab picked her up and it soon dawned on Melinda that they were heading in the wrong direction, she was being kidnapped by a hunky mountain man, but why ?
Grant Samson lived in the mountains, he owned a snow plough business but he was doing a favour for a friend by pretending to kidnap his girlfriend and take her to his friend's mountain home. It soon became clear that it was a case of mistaken identity, to make matters worse the weather was so bad that he couldn't turn back, they were stuck in his friends luxury home with no power.
This story follows the horror and anguish of being kidnapped and Melinda's mistrust of Grant, the mortification when Grant realises that he has the wrong person and trying his best to smooth things over, the way Melinda coped by cooking from tins and packets, the way Grant chopped wood and melted water to keep them alive, the way the deep attraction grew.
Both Melinda and Grant had issues that neither had dealt with but enforced incarceration made them face up to them.
This story has really likeable characters and I really enjoyed reading it.
I received a free copy of this book and my review is voluntary
July 20, 2022
Well I didn't expect that!
This was my first book by Mary Mandolin and I was surprised with the story. It's not your usual abduction story. I found that it kept my interest but there were so many questions going through my mind as I read the book.
I liked the beginning and I thought the ending was way to much to fast. I don't like giving the storyline away so I will say that the characters were ok...I got the names mixed up a few times especially at the end. I found Melinda a bit much in how fast she fell for her abductor. I also found it odd that this huge expensive chalet didn't have a generator and that they had to boil now for water usage.
Thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read a digital copy of Whiteout for an honest review...
This was my first book by Mary Mandolin and I was surprised with the story. It's not your usual abduction story. I found that it kept my interest but there were so many questions going through my mind as I read the book.
I liked the beginning and I thought the ending was way to much to fast. I don't like giving the storyline away so I will say that the characters were ok...I got the names mixed up a few times especially at the end. I found Melinda a bit much in how fast she fell for her abductor. I also found it odd that this huge expensive chalet didn't have a generator and that they had to boil now for water usage.
Thank you to BookSirens for allowing me to read a digital copy of Whiteout for an honest review...
August 14, 2022
Whiteout is the the first book in a new series, a romantic suspense written by Mary Mandolin this is a new author for me. Overall, this was a good read, but it did have some problems that it didn't flow as well as I thought it should. I thought the storyline was interesting, but I really didn't really like Melinda's character as much as I could have. I would recommend it to others.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an ARC from BookSirens for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 27, 2024
Mary Mandolin really knows how to describe things so that you experience them & feel like you are in the story as you are reading.
She brings a feeling of reality & gets inside the emotions, feelings & thoughts of her characters. She takes all of the crazy overthinking that some of us do (like me) & channels it into her characters so that you feel as if you are working through all of it by their side & you find yourself rooting for them to overcome those obsessive tendencies to get to life, real living - not just playing it safe. Which are perhaps some of the steps we wish we had taken throughout our own lives.
I've gotta touch on the sexy stuff - and it is SEXY. Not in the 80's romance novel way with wind blowing on her supple breasts - blech!!! But in a real life experience of what is happening, how it feels, & what is in their heads (but not in a distracting way). This is how it happens when you let your guard down & it is HOT!!!
Almost every time I read a book, I find typos & grammatical mishaps that distract me from the story & I did not find one in Whiteout. Not one. Mary is a literary genius who has a vast knowledge of words & grammar & she knows how to use a semi colon, which I use willy nilly because I think they are underused today but I don't quite know how to use them correctly. haha
I definitely recommend Whiteout because it has a bit of everything - kidnapping, fear, thoughts, emotions, family, friends, cooking, sex & love.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
She brings a feeling of reality & gets inside the emotions, feelings & thoughts of her characters. She takes all of the crazy overthinking that some of us do (like me) & channels it into her characters so that you feel as if you are working through all of it by their side & you find yourself rooting for them to overcome those obsessive tendencies to get to life, real living - not just playing it safe. Which are perhaps some of the steps we wish we had taken throughout our own lives.
I've gotta touch on the sexy stuff - and it is SEXY. Not in the 80's romance novel way with wind blowing on her supple breasts - blech!!! But in a real life experience of what is happening, how it feels, & what is in their heads (but not in a distracting way). This is how it happens when you let your guard down & it is HOT!!!
Almost every time I read a book, I find typos & grammatical mishaps that distract me from the story & I did not find one in Whiteout. Not one. Mary is a literary genius who has a vast knowledge of words & grammar & she knows how to use a semi colon, which I use willy nilly because I think they are underused today but I don't quite know how to use them correctly. haha
I definitely recommend Whiteout because it has a bit of everything - kidnapping, fear, thoughts, emotions, family, friends, cooking, sex & love.
*I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2022
3.5. Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC. Initially I was easily confused bc the two male characters were very similar in names: Grant and Gerald and the two female characters were as well: Melisa and Melinda. This was confusing to keep them straight. It was a great beginning that drew me in right away but the similar names were very distracting. Small things bothered me like the cabin is supposedly a million dollar chalet and decorated wonderfully yet …. the only bathroom in the whole cabin is thru the master bedroom? Also no one had been to the cabin for at least a month - but there’s a loaf of bread in the pantry and they make sandwiches? Huh? Also they make note of a bar in the cabin - they’re freezing cold … but don’t think hmmm maybe a shot of whisky will warm me? The focus is very heavily in this book as a kidnapping - and I preferred to think of it as wrong person/wrong time bc it wasn’t an intentional kidnapping. So after I let these small things go I enjoyed the book. I enjoyed the survival stuff of how they boiled snow etc. All in all it was it enjoyable read.
June 22, 2022
The Whitout brings two people together that have decided that life is easier alone- less chance of getting hurt if you don’t open yourself up to love. Grant agrees to stage a fake kidnapping of his friend’s girlfriend. An anniversary of her true kidnapping and a way for her to take power back. Unfortunately for Grant, he kidnaps the wrong person and is stuck with her in a cabin during a blizzard. The two realize that they have a connection but how do they get past the kidnapping.
There were a lot of good things about this novel and I really enjoyed the majority of it. I did find some parts slow and redundant especially the reluctance to allow someone to get close to someone else.
I have this book 3.5 stars.
I would like to thank booksirens for allowing me an advanced copy for this honest review.
There were a lot of good things about this novel and I really enjoyed the majority of it. I did find some parts slow and redundant especially the reluctance to allow someone to get close to someone else.
I have this book 3.5 stars.
I would like to thank booksirens for allowing me an advanced copy for this honest review.
August 11, 2022
Grant Samson and Melinda Sen's story felt like a Stockholm syndrome romanticized at times. Overall it was an okay story. I get to feel the anxiety Melinda was feeling when she thought she was being kidnapped and realize that her life might come to an end at the hands of a stranger with no one to come to her rescue.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 18, 2022
Leave yourself time to read and not be distracted. I couldn’t put this book down!
I gave this book 4 stars due to the triggers throughout the whole storyline. This book brings out emotions throughout the book.
But in the end, you will be smiling!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I gave this book 4 stars due to the triggers throughout the whole storyline. This book brings out emotions throughout the book.
But in the end, you will be smiling!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 28, 2022
Reading the description, I thought it was going to be a thriller with some romance elements. However, it turned out, that book surprised me very positively. Grant, wanting to help his friend, agrees to become a fictional kidnapper of Paul's girlfriend. Unfortunately, he kidnaps the wrong woman from the airport by mistake. Before the situation clears up, they arrive at a cabin in the mountains, that they cannot leave due to the oncoming snowstorm. Grant and Melinda are drawn to each other at first sight. Sadly, the issue of kidnapping strongly affects their relationship. In addition, the situation is not improved by the fact that each of them is struggling with problems from their past, which made it difficult for them to open up to other people. Although there are no shootings or chases in the book, the creation of the characters makes it real page-turner. The author showed the events from the point of view of each of the heroes. Through this procedure, I was able to empathize with both Melinda and Grant, which made me experience the story with them. In my opinion there are no villains among the characters. They are just two broken people who have been brought together by fate. Some may say it was destiny, others may say it was coincidence. It doesn't really matter. The most important thing is whether they both dare to take advantage of the chance that fate has given them? Because they both deserved for happiness.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2022
A suspenseful story with a mix of romance. The author is very proficient in this genre. The author writes a smart thriller. It’s has a breathtaking plot and imaginative characters. I am looking forward to reading from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2022
Melinda has been kidnapped. Yeah Grant tells her it was an accident and he meant to kidnap someone else, but he also didn’t listen when she was crying and screaming for help. Now a blizzard means they have to stay in the trapped in the same cabin and she has to rely on him to help her survive.
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the writing style, the pace was perfect and the characters were so authentic, I was invested from the very first chapter. I loved Melinda’s thought process, comparing a gun to a duck and such terms as an edible lobotomy. This humour added so much to a stressful situation and really showed who she was a character. I also really liked Grant, his personality really shone through as he legitimately tried to do the right thing through the circumstances. I really did not want this book to end and look forward to reading other books by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the writing style, the pace was perfect and the characters were so authentic, I was invested from the very first chapter. I loved Melinda’s thought process, comparing a gun to a duck and such terms as an edible lobotomy. This humour added so much to a stressful situation and really showed who she was a character. I also really liked Grant, his personality really shone through as he legitimately tried to do the right thing through the circumstances. I really did not want this book to end and look forward to reading other books by this author. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from BookSirens. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
May 30, 2022
It was an ok read about mistaken identity. Grant picks up Melinda from the airport accidentally assuming that she was someone else.
Grant and Melinda get stuck in a massive snowstorm where their relationship blooms.
Grant and Melinda get stuck in a massive snowstorm where their relationship blooms.
May 19, 2022
This was a great read. I enjoyed every moment of it. It was such an interesting way to meet someone. I loved seeing the dynamics change. Can’t wait to read more by this author.
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
Side note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review
July 1, 2022
Whiteout (Shades #1) by Mary Mandolin
This story starts out with Melinda and the plane has just touched down at the airport. She calls for a Kkar ride and the driver picks her up and they are on their way.
Problem is Gerald was to pick up Melissa to meet up with Paul. Things go so wrong as they are driving and she's locked in, winter blizzard and they arrive at a cabin.
All she can think about is being killed by the psycho. Chilling read for me as it's realistic enough to happen.
How much worse can the tension get with a gun in the mix and no electric either.
Story is chilling at times but on the edge other times till twists and turns really make a difference...
Love her career and the creativity.
I received this review copy from AIA Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
This story starts out with Melinda and the plane has just touched down at the airport. She calls for a Kkar ride and the driver picks her up and they are on their way.
Problem is Gerald was to pick up Melissa to meet up with Paul. Things go so wrong as they are driving and she's locked in, winter blizzard and they arrive at a cabin.
All she can think about is being killed by the psycho. Chilling read for me as it's realistic enough to happen.
How much worse can the tension get with a gun in the mix and no electric either.
Story is chilling at times but on the edge other times till twists and turns really make a difference...
Love her career and the creativity.
I received this review copy from AIA Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
June 28, 2022
🍷This is the first time I'm reading something by author Mary for the very first time and I was super duper excited to read it and let me tell you, it's quite different than I expected but it's for sure a book that I really really enjoyed and I didn't wanted to put it down. The book is certainly a thrilling read, a slow burn romance having an unique trope.
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The settings of the story is my favorite, the way chemistry develops between Grant and Melinda is not just remarkable but also it's extremely moving and deeply touching. The way the author weaves the characters, the plot, the settings, the world buildings and suspense in one garland, is very interesting and worth appreciating. I saw the characters doing things that weren't expected out of them, you see them doing things that are contrary to their personality which makes it more engaging and unpredictable.
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This isn't a hardcore mystery tale but rather it's a blend of romance, suspense, reality and love and a lot of realisations. This is the first book in the series and I'm quite excited to see what happens next. While reading it there were many moments where I felt nervous about what would happen next and I think thats what really kept me going.
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I really loved lovedddd them together and you would know why when you pick it up. Whiteout is definitely a great start to a series that will kick you with realisations and unforgettable characters and life risking experiences the characters go through. Definitely recommended.
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Rating: 4⭐️
June 16, 2022
4.5 but im rounding up! I got a Free ARC of Whiteout through BookSirens and am leaving an honest review voluntarily!
What a ride! It was like getting handed an Onion at the very beginning and told I had to remove the layers to unearth the story underneath but inside was the ripest peach. Spoiler alert; Ripe peaches are my favorite reward.
The reason it didn't get a full five starts was probably toward the start, I was confused as to why it started where it did but it was just a glimpse I guess? Of what was to come? Not sure. It was rocky at first for me and took me some time to get into Melinda's mindset and inner voice but once of was there it was a fantastic.
She is quirky, funny and not afraid to call herself out on her BS. She 's likable and relatable and her chemistry with Grant ... all I can say is Zip Ties! Yes Please!
Grant's inner voice was to funny and charming. I resonated with both characters as they worked through their trauma and tried to find a way to come out the other side. I adore Grant and Melinda and as cliché as kidnapper and kidnapped victim seems there is something different about this story, refreshing even!
What a ride! It was like getting handed an Onion at the very beginning and told I had to remove the layers to unearth the story underneath but inside was the ripest peach. Spoiler alert; Ripe peaches are my favorite reward.
The reason it didn't get a full five starts was probably toward the start, I was confused as to why it started where it did but it was just a glimpse I guess? Of what was to come? Not sure. It was rocky at first for me and took me some time to get into Melinda's mindset and inner voice but once of was there it was a fantastic.
She is quirky, funny and not afraid to call herself out on her BS. She 's likable and relatable and her chemistry with Grant ... all I can say is Zip Ties! Yes Please!
Grant's inner voice was to funny and charming. I resonated with both characters as they worked through their trauma and tried to find a way to come out the other side. I adore Grant and Melinda and as cliché as kidnapper and kidnapped victim seems there is something different about this story, refreshing even!
June 17, 2022
I’ll be honest, I couldn’t see how Melinda was going to go from the horror of thinking she was kidnapped to wanting to get into Grants pants but it worked. The chemistry between these characters was amazing and I loved the build up.
It took me a few chapters to really get in Melinda’s flow. She’s very quirky and her inner dialogue was a rollercoaster. I came to enjoy it. I even laughed out loud a few times!
As someone who does live in a remote, mountain area I appreciated the reality of their situation and how the author made it part of the environment in a realistic manner.
I think my only issue was the way the book started. I was a bit confused before we ended up in chapter 1.
I was given an ARC of this book but I would buy it for my TBR!
It took me a few chapters to really get in Melinda’s flow. She’s very quirky and her inner dialogue was a rollercoaster. I came to enjoy it. I even laughed out loud a few times!
As someone who does live in a remote, mountain area I appreciated the reality of their situation and how the author made it part of the environment in a realistic manner.
I think my only issue was the way the book started. I was a bit confused before we ended up in chapter 1.
I was given an ARC of this book but I would buy it for my TBR!
June 29, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It has been a while since I read a romantic suspense, and this one was fun even if a bit slow.
I liked the spin the author gave on kidnapping the wrong person and then trying to backtrack... like a huge " Oops" and the intrigue behind why Grant took Melinda was okay.
The isolation and survival aspect was also good, but the overall execution was too slow.. it dragged from time to time, disrupting the pacing of the story.
It was an okay read nonetheless.
It has been a while since I read a romantic suspense, and this one was fun even if a bit slow.
I liked the spin the author gave on kidnapping the wrong person and then trying to backtrack... like a huge " Oops" and the intrigue behind why Grant took Melinda was okay.
The isolation and survival aspect was also good, but the overall execution was too slow.. it dragged from time to time, disrupting the pacing of the story.
It was an okay read nonetheless.
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