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Rejected

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Echo Paisley has been on her own since her fiancé, Nash, died three years ago. She soon discovered that she didn’t know the man she was going to marry. He had cheated on her with the one person she thought had her back. But that wasn’t the only secret.

Echo is about to leave her past behind when she discovers one last secret Nash left behind, which threatens to turn her life upside down. Echo is forced to seek help from her estranged mother with no one else to turn to.

174 pages, Paperback

Published September 28, 2022

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About the author

R.M. Demeester

24 books629 followers
R.M. Demeester, from Saskatchewan, loves being a mom, reading books, and writing. She's been writing since she was very young. Today, she's known for her stories in women's fiction, romantic suspense, and thrillers.

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5 stars
18 (40%)
4 stars
17 (38%)
3 stars
8 (18%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for April.
753 reviews195 followers
May 9, 2025
This was definitely the perfect title for this book! Echo is being hit from all angles as bombs are dropped left and right with deception of those around her. As soon as a secret is revealed, she can barely breathe before another one is revealed. All the secrets and lies definitely made Echo feel rejected. A good read overall, with an easy to love FMC. I enjoyed the narrator in this audiobook.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tina Marie.
89 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5 Stars

~ I read this book in audio format and am reviewing it as such~

☆I really wanted to love this book due to loving some of the other works by this author along with holding similar life events. This book unfortunately felt limited in depth, and I walked away hoping for a more polished ending. I liked the book and felt it to be a quick read.

☆The intro audio would not have been a selling point for me in initially picking up this book, but I am glad I continued on. That initial scene, though, is a heartbreak I'm all too familiar with. A mother I've known my whole life, but at times, I feel like a complete stranger. The conflicting thoughts roll inside the mind as you cross paths in person. That is what captivated a soul from a busted up life.

☆The first chapter has me annoyed at the character/fiance as she makes every excuse in the book, brushes things off, and holds such naivety that I want to scream at her to realize instantly---
Then the news comes... and more news. The suffocating weight, grief, and rage seething through.

♡It's easy to judge Echo.. dead-end roads and bank robberies... a family filled with rejection (her mom) seemingly associated with a bad crowd. I'd say luck just purely rejects Echo at this point. Multiple eye rolls were had by this reader.

☆The emotions I felt for Echo were intense, unexpected, and heartbreaking. That urge to get an apology after such life altering hurt. The helplessness in not knowing what would be a "solution" to repairing the mother daughter relationship. Wanting so badly to hold onto the beliefs you have of those you love. But, it doesn't change the lies and danger that lurked in the background.

♡ A mother and daughter putting their differences aside shows how having one person is better than nobody at all. The sad reality in question of wondering how much we actually know people. You want to desperately believe and hold onto "the good,... but that's never what reality has in mind.

My main critique was the voices used for the characters in this book. It was hard to decipher who was Echo and who were the others at times. The childhood flashbacks were also a struggle to decipher which sister was the focus. The scene of Echo's parents arguing and Evie leaving was also difficult to follow in the audio, but it eventually made sense.
The second thing I struggled with was Raya and her voice in this book... it was too childlike but detached from the emotional potential. The desired "vengeance" against Echo didn't come through emotionally.
Lastly, I felt the "big news" was a bit repetitive and underwhelming as it dragged out in a way that didn't match the maturity of Echo and her mom. Echo continued on the scene with an anxious ridden chaos that felt like "it was already answered." Maybe I'm just too picky, but I expected to feel what was being felt, and instead, I remained emotionally limited
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Texas.
1,679 reviews35 followers
May 12, 2026
REJECTED, Audiobook - I hated the extreme use of vulgar language but I guess this is how hate-filled and depressed people need to verbalize their woes. Otherwise, interesting story lines and good characters, even the really bad and the blinded. The narrator Katherine Weber added life to the story, improving it. Source: Booksprout and Audible. 4*

WHAT IANTHE KNEW - An intriguing and immersing quick read with plenty of emotions and discoveries. Source: Booksprout. 4*

THE LAST LIE - A good story but I was bored. Some of the characters are okay. Source: Booksprout. 3*

THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN Series:
THE GIRL ONCE KNOWN, #1 - Holy cow, the start of this book had me cross eyed and almost ready to toss it. BUT, then the story kicked into gear and became so intriguing and immersing that I could not put the book down. The story lines, the multiple character narrators and their dysfunctional relationships, and the unexpected kinks were intense. The ending chapter may set up a continuation of this story or just proof that not all goes well. Hopefully, this ARC goes through a final editing before its release. Source: StoryOrigin. 5*

THE BOND ONCE BROKEN, #2 - A good story but a tad boring and repetitive. I enjoyed the first book more but this is still an OK read. Source: Booksprout. 3*

THE NAME ONCE ERASED, #3 - Although this story needs editing, it is the best of the three. Good characters with interesting story lines told a a constant pace. A large variety of emotions and outcomes. Source: Booksprout. 5*

THE FLOWER ONCE WILTED, #4 - This the best book of this "trilogy". I could not put this book down. It's a train wreck and you cannot look away. Intense. Interesting. Filled with life of all sorts and plenty of emotions, this story is too difficult to put down. Jody is unbelievable and I like her ending. Source: Booksprout. 5*

THE VINE ONCE TWISTED, #5 - This is probably the best of this series. How easy it is for life to go to Hades in a handcrafted. A well written, immersing story with intriguing story lines and interesting characters. Sad. yet poignant. Source: Booksprout. 5*
14 reviews1 follower
August 23, 2024
You won’t see the twists coming
Rejected is a gripping thriller that explores the dark side of sibling rivalry and family secrets. Echo Paisley is living with, and engaged to her high school sweetheart, Nash. She begins to be suspicious of some of his behaviors, but before she can talk with him about them, he is suddenly killed in a car/pedestrian accident. After his death it is impossible for her to move on because those suspicions seem to have merit. There is shocking evidence that he has been unfaithful, and even involved in illegal activities. She is torn between her love for him and her fear of the truth, until she discovers the shocking twist. Not wanting to give it away I’ll just say it has everything to do with her younger sister. There are many twists in the book, but the author brings them all together nicely. I was not left wondering about any dangling lose ends like in some books I have read.
The book is a fast-paced and suspenseful read that will keep the reader guessing until the end. The author does a good job of creating realistic and complex characters, especially the sisters, who have a twisted and toxic relationship. The book also explores themes such as jealousy, betrayal, trust, and forgiveness, and how they affect family bonds and personal choices. The book is a well-written and engaging thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre and anyone who enjoys a good story of family drama and deception.
I listened to this book on Audible, and my primary critique is that the narrator assigns voices to the characters that do not align with their personalities. It perplexes me why one character possesses a foreign accent or why the sister's voice lacks a more maniacal tone.
Profile Image for PelicanFreak.
2,242 reviews
Read
August 27, 2024
From the blurb, this sounded like it could be interesting, unfortunately, that’s about as interesting as it got. Possibly, it could’ve been more intriguing with a stronger writer?
There was all ‘telling’, which does make for a very dull experience. But then there was the mis-use of words and the cheesy dialogue and the slow pace … so it was very hard to get through.

Examples:
Steamy scenes just sounded textbook, lacked passion of any kind and weren’t always plausible (positioning, etc.)
Misused word: ‘...Before I could intervene…’ referring to a bruise that already exists on a person walking away from her.

Perhaps a stronger team could help with some of these things, maybe a dev-editor and/or even beta readers or a critique partner. This could pass as an interesting first draft maybe, but shouldn’t have gone to press in this state.

No stars.

Audio:
Poor overall sound quality. I’m surprised the author or publisher found this acceptable, it seems like whoever produced this might’ve taken them for a ride, sadly. And the narration itself was poor, no performance-style narrating at all, more just dictating. If I didn’t mind the virtual-voice sound, I could just have Siri or Alexa read my (much cheaper) eBooks to me, so it’s always disappointing when a narrator sounds like a bot. 0 stars.
Profile Image for Nancy (The Avid Reader).
3,167 reviews145 followers
March 30, 2026
Rejected tells the tale of a young woman named Echo Paisley, who tragically lost her fiancé, Nash, in an accident three years prior. Before his untimely death, Nash exhibited odd behavior, such as returning home late from work and engaging in other questionable activities. When Echo confronted him about these changes, he deflected the blame onto her, insisting that she was the one acting strangely.

Their neighbor informs Echo that he spotted Nash out late one night with another woman, but Nash vehemently denies the accusation, and she chooses to trust him. However, following his death, a flood of secrets begins to surface. Time and again, Echo discovers that her fiancé had been unfaithful with various women. As more secrets come to light, Echo feels increasingly isolated and rejected by those around her.

Rejected is a powerful story that hooked me from the first page and kept me turning pages as each new revelation caught me off guard. With every chapter, another betrayal comes to light, and my heart broke for Echo again and again.

I wholeheartedly recommend Rejected to anyone who enjoys contemporary suspense novels! Be sure to pick up your copy of Rejected today!
Profile Image for Ashy Eddy.
90 reviews5 followers
May 3, 2025
Echo has not had it easy. It seems around every turn she just keeps getting slapped in the face. Her fiancé died 3yrs ago, her mother left the family years ago, her friends betray her, her sister broke her trust.. and on top of that she’s learning some disturbing secrets that her past fiancé had kept from her. Unbelievably hurtful secrets. To get more answers she has to talk to shady people and reach out to her estranged mom.

The title is definitely fitting. I felt So bad for echo she definitely was rejected over and over again. It made my heart break for her. But her journey to discovering more about these secrets helped Echo find out who truly was there for her and who wasn’t. While there was a lot of loss (her fiancé passing, losing friends, and having relationships break) Echo is able to gain insight and some knowledge that makes her better off in the long run.

I was able to listen to the audio book narrated by Kathrine Weber, who did an amazing job!:).

I received a free copy of this audiobook via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Miranda Summerset.
854 reviews5 followers
April 16, 2025
This audiobook was a sad tale of a broken family & a girl on her own. After Echo cuts her toxic mom off, & moves on with her life from a not good relationship with her sister & father, she begins to question her relationship with her fiance. When he suddenly dies & strange things start happening, she is left in an even darker spot.
I liked the audiobook narration. It was clear & easy to understand. The characters are relatable and easy to follow, & the plot is super fast paced & keeps you guessing as to who the bad guy is. It's a unique story, & I really liked it. It has a dark tone, but the ending is the perfect bit of light to leave you satisfied.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tanya.
854 reviews9 followers
April 12, 2026
Rejected is a gripping drama that explores the dark side of sibling issues and deep family secrets.

Echo Paisley is living with, and engaged to her high school sweetheart, Nash. She begins to be suspicious of some of his behaviors, but before she can talk with him about them, he dies. After he passes, she learns of his secret activities, and the relationship with her younger sibling.

There are many twists and turns in the book, but they were tired together nicely by the end, which I am grateful for because I hate loose ends.

If you have a complicated relationship with family (esp. your sisters) you might want to approach this book with caution.

Very well done!!!
Profile Image for Ali  O.
941 reviews52 followers
May 13, 2026
Rejected by R.M. Demeester
🌟🌟🌟🌟(3.5 rounded up)
This is an entertaining and mysterious drama. Echo has struggled in her life and always felt rejected from everyone. Her fiancé, Nash, passes away and she’s left trying to understand pieces of their lives.
This book is filled with twists, secrets and lies.

Thank you to Booksprout for an audio version. The narrator did a good job!
It is a fast read with some surprises throughout.

Overall it is a good story, but not as engaging as I was hoping for.

Profile Image for Chapters_with_VDKeck.
668 reviews88 followers
May 17, 2026
Y’all, Rejected was an emotional gut punch filled with betrayal, grief, and painful secrets. Echo Paisley felt raw and real as she struggled to uncover the truth about the fiancé she thought she knew.

R.M. Demeester’s writing is gritty, emotional, and completely addictive, while Katherine Weber’s narration added so much depth and vulnerability to Echo’s story. You could feel every ounce of heartbreak in her performance.

This audiobook hurt in the best way and kept me hooked from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,386 reviews14 followers
October 16, 2022
I liked this mystery story. Echo is ready to move on after the death of her fiancé three years ago, when she discovers secrets that crush her. Unable to trust those closest to her she turns to the last person who she expected to have her back. The characters were well developed, the plot was interesting and kept me reading. This story makes you rethink who can be trusted in your inner circle. I received a free copy of this book via Story origin, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Danee.
5,057 reviews
July 1, 2024
We are taken into Echo's life, 3 years after the death of her fiancé Nash, she finds out things and that Nash, who she was supposed to marry, is not the one she thought he was. Not that he alone he cheated on her in a way she never expected. She wants to find out who Nash really is and what else he was hiding from her. A beautiful story that will keep your attention until the last page.


I received an Advance Reader sample of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews10 followers
July 2, 2024
Echo and Rhea's mom took off when they were young, leaving their dad struggling to make ends meet. Now an adult, Echo is engaged and somewhat happy. Then, her fiance is killed crossing the street, and Echo's life is no longer the same. This story is all about the shenanigans being orchestrated by a vengeful sister, ending with a satisfactory resolution. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Billie.
5,791 reviews71 followers
October 15, 2022
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
2,156 reviews10 followers
October 17, 2022
It's not what I expected. I expected a little more tension, a little more suspense...
Echo is a young woman who is happy with her fiancé until he dies and she begins to discover that everyone around her has betrayed her and she doesn't know who to trust with her.
It is entertaining and a fast read.

259 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2024
From the beginning to the end you know that what you are reading is going to take you in directions that are unexpected but when you get to the end, it really takes a turn that is both expected and unexpected. Can you ever believe your relatives again?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
983 reviews
July 13, 2024
Echo is a very complex character.
Sometimes seem in control, even with all her grief, but sometimes seem really unhinged.
She felt all the range of emotions - from love to hate, to rage, to grief….
But most of it she felt rejected.
An emotional trip, that will bring her forgiveness.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,038 reviews48 followers
July 15, 2024
Thrilling and intense story that has many unexpected twists and turns. Hard to put down and keeps you wondering what is going to be the outcome. Complex and interesting characters to follow along in this story. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linda.
1,355 reviews18 followers
April 16, 2025
This definitely wasn't what I expected. The constant whining from the main character Echo and her sister drove me nuts. There wasn't much substance to this story, just a lot of whining. The small twists were ok, but weren't enough to really help the story. Disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
907 reviews2 followers
May 5, 2025
Rejected by R. M. Demeester is a good thriller/mystery. Katherine Weber did a great job with the narration. This story is not what I expected. A woman’s fiancé dies and she finds out things she didn’t want to know about him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for AMBER CLARK.
961 reviews25 followers
May 19, 2025
Rejected is a gripping thriller with a shocking twist that you will never see coming. The plot is fast paced and suspenseful, the characters are complex and relatable, and the story makes you rethink who can be trusted in your inner circle. While not my first Demeester novel, it definitely, will not be my last either.

Profile Image for Ellen Murphy.
97 reviews7 followers
April 1, 2026
When her fiancé dies Echo feels betrayed. She doesn’t know what to do or how to feel and her family is no help either. This book started strong but the last half felt choppy and almost rushed. I like this author a lot but this one missed the mark.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Robert Foland.
536 reviews8 followers
April 4, 2026
"Rejected" tells the captivating story of one woman's life journey, featuring an intriguing plot and well-crafted characters. R. M. Demeester once again explores the highs and lows of an imperfect world in a way that's attention-grabbing, intense, and thought-provoking.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
753 reviews18 followers
June 30, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book. This is well written, grabbed and held my attention. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara Harrison.
3,505 reviews93 followers
June 30, 2024
It's a great plot idea for a contemporary psychological thriller that was waylaid by poor editing and can be read in an afternoon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20.6k reviews260 followers
April 20, 2025
When Echo's fiance dies, secrets are revealed which have her questioning whether she actually knew Nash at all. Having nowhere else to turn for help, Echo is forced to reconnect with her estranged mother.
1,013 reviews7 followers
April 30, 2025
This is compelling story of Echo who is grieving the loss of her fiancé. Surprises await her when new truths come out, about the main she thought she knew.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
277 reviews2 followers
April 11, 2026
this was such a good book it was hard to put the book down I have to keep going to next chapter to see what is going to happen now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laurie Robertson.
977 reviews25 followers
June 17, 2024
A very emotional tale with lots of twists. Disturbed characters with plenty of emotional baggage interact poorly due to a lack of ability to communicate effectively. A compelling read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews