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The Vine Cross
Hayley is a girl with her whole life ahead of her, after running away she decides to start living her life, but going to a house party, brings about more problems than she ever envisioned. Taking the help offered she gets out, only to fall for a guy who could be the catalyst to her down fall. Slowly as their relationship blossoms, the world around her darkens, bringing with it fears from her past, but can she keep her secrets or must her relationship come first and which one presents the most danger, when Jesse finally starts piecing things together though, it is her that must go back, to protect the people she loves, but can Jesse protect her, and at what cost?
390 pages, Paperback
Published May 31, 2021
16 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
S.P. Dawes
6 books64 followersI'm a mum of three, married for 16 years, I own my own business and love writing mystery and intreague, romance thrillers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
August 24, 2021
The author has wisely put a warning at the beginning of this book, which is every bit as dark as she suggests, and possibly darker. No woman should have to go through what Hayley goes through, both before and during the story written here, but sadly this is the case for many out here in the real world, as the News makes us only too aware, and not infrequently. Fortunately, it seems, she meets someone who is able to help her in her ongoing quest for survival and safety, but in the short-term this only adds another layer of complication to her sufferings.
Some readers have criticised the start of the story as being slow, but I disagree. There’s a lot going on here, when things begin to speed up, and I don’t think I could cope with being plunged right into the action from the outset. Instead, we have time to get to know the main players, their lives, likes and dislikes, and gain a sense of wondering what, where and why things have happened before we joined the narrative. A well-paced exposition of story, in my opinion.
On the minus side it needs a bit of editing, as there are some typos and grammatical errors, but I won’t quibble about that as it is a good attempt at looking into the murky areas of society into which most of us would prefer not to look. A strong stomach is required at times to read this book, which is the first in a series but equally able to be read as a stand-alone text. However, if you wish to continue onto the next book a ‘teaser’ for that is given at the end.
Some readers have criticised the start of the story as being slow, but I disagree. There’s a lot going on here, when things begin to speed up, and I don’t think I could cope with being plunged right into the action from the outset. Instead, we have time to get to know the main players, their lives, likes and dislikes, and gain a sense of wondering what, where and why things have happened before we joined the narrative. A well-paced exposition of story, in my opinion.
On the minus side it needs a bit of editing, as there are some typos and grammatical errors, but I won’t quibble about that as it is a good attempt at looking into the murky areas of society into which most of us would prefer not to look. A strong stomach is required at times to read this book, which is the first in a series but equally able to be read as a stand-alone text. However, if you wish to continue onto the next book a ‘teaser’ for that is given at the end.
January 22, 2020
PLEASE KEEP READING, this book.
The book, was a little slow to get going.
However, suddenly the book picked up speed.
The mystery was certainly interesting and was different to my expectations.
I eventually stayed up very late to finish the book.
I received a free copy in return for a review of this book
The book, was a little slow to get going.
However, suddenly the book picked up speed.
The mystery was certainly interesting and was different to my expectations.
I eventually stayed up very late to finish the book.
I received a free copy in return for a review of this book
December 4, 2022
Hayley is on the run from her life, choices, and circumstances. As a chef, she works side-by-side with Rob, the brother of the man she will eventually fall for, Detective Jesse Hallam. While Hallam is busy trying to solve a string of murders (the girls who, coincidentally or not, resemble Hayley), he does his best to keep an eye on Hayley while sorting through his own issues. A good plot, with an open end for more to come.
Unfortunately, The Vine Cross fails regarding grammar, punctuation, spelling, telling rather than showing, and pacing. When an author interchanges a characters name (what starts out as Liam then turns to Leon) or confuses the spelling of a Margherita pizza with an alcoholic drink, margarita, I find myself in almost a running joke to count how many mistakes there are; this is unfortunate because S P Dawes has a gift for storytelling. The story, for me, was lost through its lack of editing.
To be clear - I struggled with giving this rating because I know more than most the difficulty (read blood, sweat, and tears) it takes to complete and publish a book and less-than-good reviews sting. However, I'm flummoxed that Dawes doesn't value editing more for as many books as they have released. This is an example of how indie authors get a bad rap.
If you can get past the poor writing, you will likely enjoy the Vine Cross.
Unfortunately, The Vine Cross fails regarding grammar, punctuation, spelling, telling rather than showing, and pacing. When an author interchanges a characters name (what starts out as Liam then turns to Leon) or confuses the spelling of a Margherita pizza with an alcoholic drink, margarita, I find myself in almost a running joke to count how many mistakes there are; this is unfortunate because S P Dawes has a gift for storytelling. The story, for me, was lost through its lack of editing.
To be clear - I struggled with giving this rating because I know more than most the difficulty (read blood, sweat, and tears) it takes to complete and publish a book and less-than-good reviews sting. However, I'm flummoxed that Dawes doesn't value editing more for as many books as they have released. This is an example of how indie authors get a bad rap.
If you can get past the poor writing, you will likely enjoy the Vine Cross.
March 25, 2024
A thriller like no other!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Haley, a young chef with a dark secret and a past that just won't stay buried. She's has her own troubles at work when her co-worker Rob's wife keeps digging at Haley and making her miserable at each turn, going so far as bringing an ex to a little house party. She bumps into his brother Jesse who helps her escape the party and quickly discovers that she's had some form of trauma and does his best to make her feel safe with him. Jesse is also a cop working on a homicide case and can tell that's Haley's hiding a secret as several different crimes occurs, having her at the center of them. As they hang out, their feelings for each grows. Can Haley trust Jesse or will he turn out to be another demon from her past? Grab a copy and find out! I highly recommend it!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one! The story revolves around Haley, a young chef with a dark secret and a past that just won't stay buried. She's has her own troubles at work when her co-worker Rob's wife keeps digging at Haley and making her miserable at each turn, going so far as bringing an ex to a little house party. She bumps into his brother Jesse who helps her escape the party and quickly discovers that she's had some form of trauma and does his best to make her feel safe with him. Jesse is also a cop working on a homicide case and can tell that's Haley's hiding a secret as several different crimes occurs, having her at the center of them. As they hang out, their feelings for each grows. Can Haley trust Jesse or will he turn out to be another demon from her past? Grab a copy and find out! I highly recommend it!
August 11, 2021
I’m into trilogies at the moment and this one, book one, looked like a good bet. I must congratulate the author on her ability to write such rounded , well formed characters. This fast action thriller / who dunnit / love story has something for everyone and everything for those wanting a gut wrenching love story coupled with action.
At various points in this novel ( too numerous to mention) I thought “I know where this is going” only to find, within a couple of pages, that I was completely wrong.
Scenes are numerous, well described and, for me, the video in my head, while I was reading, was continuous.
So, how much did I enjoy the first of the trilogy? Enough to immediately download book two, that’s how much.
At various points in this novel ( too numerous to mention) I thought “I know where this is going” only to find, within a couple of pages, that I was completely wrong.
Scenes are numerous, well described and, for me, the video in my head, while I was reading, was continuous.
So, how much did I enjoy the first of the trilogy? Enough to immediately download book two, that’s how much.
October 9, 2022
Outstanding! I loved every second of this book. Could easily be my favourite read this year, maybe even my favourite of the last three years! It has everything- action, drama, mystery, romance, violence and hope. The plot is clever and twisty but the real gem of this book is the characters. They are so well written that I feel like I know them. Hayley is such a strong character and I was rooting for her throughout the whole story. This was one of those stories that had me on pins and needles and a few times I had to put this book down just to take some deep breaths and compose myself. I genuinely don’t think I’ve ever been so engrossed in a book before.
I will most definitely be continuing on with this series!
I will most definitely be continuing on with this series!
October 25, 2023
This author promises a dark read and she delivers.
Im an avid reader of anything dark and disturbing and this book did it for me. The author gets you from the first chapter with her intricate story telling. I found myself thrown into Hayley's world and unable to take my eyes off the page wanting to know why was going to happen to this character next. The fmc does not lead an easy life but the way this character is built and fleshed out made her feel so real to me and almost like I was right there along with her through out her story.
The way that Dawes intertwines the two mc in this book really gets you hooked, I love that while this is a mystery we do get a romance sub plot with charters that you can't help but root for. I also enjoyed the side characters we got too see such as Rob, the mmc brother who the fmc works with.
I could see this book being a tv show series I would binge just like I did this book. I thought the plot flowed very well and I didn't stumble upon any points where I felt like I got bored or like I could put this down. I hope to read more by this author soon.
Im an avid reader of anything dark and disturbing and this book did it for me. The author gets you from the first chapter with her intricate story telling. I found myself thrown into Hayley's world and unable to take my eyes off the page wanting to know why was going to happen to this character next. The fmc does not lead an easy life but the way this character is built and fleshed out made her feel so real to me and almost like I was right there along with her through out her story.
The way that Dawes intertwines the two mc in this book really gets you hooked, I love that while this is a mystery we do get a romance sub plot with charters that you can't help but root for. I also enjoyed the side characters we got too see such as Rob, the mmc brother who the fmc works with.
I could see this book being a tv show series I would binge just like I did this book. I thought the plot flowed very well and I didn't stumble upon any points where I felt like I got bored or like I could put this down. I hope to read more by this author soon.
January 1, 2020
Hayley really wanted to be a chef, so she gets a job in a restaurant.
The whole thing had a slow start with the interview and branching out into the odds-and-ends of the new job. It was pretty mundane. The writing was okay, but the story was fairly ambiguous. The characters didn’t really reveal much about what was going on, which I guess supported the whole “mystery” theme.
In the interim, Haley was trying to hide from “him.” Who’s “him?” There also seems to be a hunt for a killer or a kidnapper, which resurfaces that air of mystery to the story. Unfortunately, there was such lag that it was hard to be captivated by it. Isn’t something supposed to happen?
There were just a few too many holes in the story for it to make any sense. Overall, this wasn’t what I expected and I couldn’t get into it.
The whole thing had a slow start with the interview and branching out into the odds-and-ends of the new job. It was pretty mundane. The writing was okay, but the story was fairly ambiguous. The characters didn’t really reveal much about what was going on, which I guess supported the whole “mystery” theme.
In the interim, Haley was trying to hide from “him.” Who’s “him?” There also seems to be a hunt for a killer or a kidnapper, which resurfaces that air of mystery to the story. Unfortunately, there was such lag that it was hard to be captivated by it. Isn’t something supposed to happen?
There were just a few too many holes in the story for it to make any sense. Overall, this wasn’t what I expected and I couldn’t get into it.
January 7, 2020
Wowza!!
I must admit, it took me a couple chapters to get into this book. The way the dialogue is set up, I had a hard time figuring out who was speaking. But once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing. The story is so good!! My heart was in my throat throughout the last half of the book at least. It’s heart stopping drama page after page.
I must admit, it took me a couple chapters to get into this book. The way the dialogue is set up, I had a hard time figuring out who was speaking. But once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing. The story is so good!! My heart was in my throat throughout the last half of the book at least. It’s heart stopping drama page after page.
August 11, 2021
This book definitely got my interest in reading the rest of the series. There is Just the right mix of mystery and intrigue to keep you turning the pages. Jesse has wonderful qualities and is invested in Hayley despite her past demons that continue to challenge her. A unique and enchanting read with a tension filled story line. Highly recommended!
January 7, 2020
Such a great story. It has a slower beginning but the story that unfolds is grand. Haley kept me intrigued through the entire book. The mystery was well written, characters were unique and Jesse is so relatable. I highly recommend this book!
March 21, 2022
This book reads like crime fiction and there are so many twists and turns in the plot you just can’t stop reading!
The romance was somewhat secondary, but what was there was heartwarming and that epilogue! So satisfying.
The heroine goes through a lot, and I mean a lot, throughout the book. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but she is a survivor and in the end manages to save herself and the man she loves.
The romance was somewhat secondary, but what was there was heartwarming and that epilogue! So satisfying.
The heroine goes through a lot, and I mean a lot, throughout the book. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, but she is a survivor and in the end manages to save herself and the man she loves.
January 2, 2020
was totally surprised by this one!! couldn't put it down once the mystery started unfolding!
January 9, 2020
Very good! Bravo! Loved all of it!
January 26, 2020
Complimentary copy received from voracious readers only for a honest review.
I really enjoyed this story but it was let down by the poor grammar and spelling. Please Sally get an editor!
I really enjoyed this story but it was let down by the poor grammar and spelling. Please Sally get an editor!
January 27, 2020
One of the best stories I've read in a long time. Romance and full on suspense.
March 4, 2021
The book started off without the reader knowing really what was going on in the main character Hayley's life. It starts as a romance between the two characters Hayley and Jesse. You know Hayley has a troubled background but don't know what exactly happened. The book really picks up at the halfway point. That's when you find out more details about Hayley's past, and it gets more intense. Overall, I really enjoyed reading it. It is longer, so don't expect a quick read with this one.
July 19, 2021
Absolutely fantastic from start to finish, had everything- the bonus being it's set in my home town ☺
February 28, 2021
This book was filled with twists and turns which allowed us to see who Hayley truly is. I have to say she is a strong female for everything she has been through and what she has to endure during the book. Jesse is like a knight in shining armor who will do anything for Hayley. This book deals with Hayley’s past which has returned for her and how Jesse and his coworkers help to stop her past before it’s too late. Great book.
February 16, 2021
Hayley had thought she'd got the fresh start she needed, that she'd escaped her past. She finally has a job she enjoys, a place to call home, and at least some semblance of peace. But the past has a way of catching up to a person when they least expect it. Just like she wasn't expecting to cross paths with Jesse, she wasn't expecting trouble to find her. For years she had been guarded, unwilling to trust, but there was something about Jesse that made her want to take a chance. But her past is always there, haunting her physically and mentally, and its closer than she thinks. This time her past is playing for keeps.
The Vine Cross by S.P. Dawes is a riveting and engaging crime fiction. From the moment I opened that first page I knew I was in trouble when I was met head on with engaging and relatable characters. I read it all in a single sitting, unable to tear my eyes away from the page, desperately needing to know what happened next. With a harrowing past, Hayley is a strong female character forced to endure things no one should, and Jesse, our guarded hero, has his own insecurities, but not when it comes to her. This book in an engaging, thrilling, emotional ride that really gets you hooked from the start. Secrets, manipulation, desperation, and a race against time combine in a brilliantly structured plot. A serial killer is on the loose, the new wave of drugs on the street are killing people, and Hayley's past has finally caught up to her with a promise of her destruction. The Vine Cross has everything you could ask for in a crime story and more.
The Vine Cross by S.P. Dawes is a riveting and engaging crime fiction. From the moment I opened that first page I knew I was in trouble when I was met head on with engaging and relatable characters. I read it all in a single sitting, unable to tear my eyes away from the page, desperately needing to know what happened next. With a harrowing past, Hayley is a strong female character forced to endure things no one should, and Jesse, our guarded hero, has his own insecurities, but not when it comes to her. This book in an engaging, thrilling, emotional ride that really gets you hooked from the start. Secrets, manipulation, desperation, and a race against time combine in a brilliantly structured plot. A serial killer is on the loose, the new wave of drugs on the street are killing people, and Hayley's past has finally caught up to her with a promise of her destruction. The Vine Cross has everything you could ask for in a crime story and more.
March 2, 2021
Gripping throughout
Fantastic first book of the series, great story line and well written. Thoroughly enjoyed, can't wait to read the rest.
Fantastic first book of the series, great story line and well written. Thoroughly enjoyed, can't wait to read the rest.
September 14, 2021
The Vine Cross by S. P. Dawes is a gem of a book and it is very high up on my list of favourite novels.
It begins at an easy pace and tells us about Hayley who works as a chef in a local restaurant. She is invited to a party by her boss at his home and, while there, she spots a face from her past that sends her world crashing down around her.
A man called Jesse helps her get away without being seen and later that evening they both feel the pull of attraction. Jesse has fallen for her and it seems Hayley likes him too, though she is more hesitant about a relationship.
Hayley tells him a little of her past and how she has put the bad things that happened to her behind her. Their relationship grows and their future together looks bright.
But Jesse is a police officer, a detective, and he is working on not one but two major cases and, after a few incidents, it seems that Hayley might possibly be involved in one of those cases.
This is where The Vine Cross makes the leap from a pleasant, easy to read story to a gripping crime drama that will make your heart beat faster with each page you turn.
Hayley’s past is dark. She suffered horrendous abuse, escaped and turned her life around but now her past has caught up with her and her life is in deadly danger.
The author has created a situation that keeps us on the edge of our seats. We are sympathetic to both Jesse and Hayley and, of course, we constantly worry about them
What a wonderful job this author has done in making me care about these people to the point that I was almost afraid to continue reading in case something awful happened to them.
I won’t say if it does, you will have to read it yourself. I’m off to read Book 2 in this great series!
It begins at an easy pace and tells us about Hayley who works as a chef in a local restaurant. She is invited to a party by her boss at his home and, while there, she spots a face from her past that sends her world crashing down around her.
A man called Jesse helps her get away without being seen and later that evening they both feel the pull of attraction. Jesse has fallen for her and it seems Hayley likes him too, though she is more hesitant about a relationship.
Hayley tells him a little of her past and how she has put the bad things that happened to her behind her. Their relationship grows and their future together looks bright.
But Jesse is a police officer, a detective, and he is working on not one but two major cases and, after a few incidents, it seems that Hayley might possibly be involved in one of those cases.
This is where The Vine Cross makes the leap from a pleasant, easy to read story to a gripping crime drama that will make your heart beat faster with each page you turn.
Hayley’s past is dark. She suffered horrendous abuse, escaped and turned her life around but now her past has caught up with her and her life is in deadly danger.
The author has created a situation that keeps us on the edge of our seats. We are sympathetic to both Jesse and Hayley and, of course, we constantly worry about them
What a wonderful job this author has done in making me care about these people to the point that I was almost afraid to continue reading in case something awful happened to them.
I won’t say if it does, you will have to read it yourself. I’m off to read Book 2 in this great series!
February 19, 2021
I look forward to reading more from the Vine series.
I enjoyed this story. I like the subtle twists when you don't expect them. I look forward to reading more from the Vine series.
I enjoyed this story. I like the subtle twists when you don't expect them. I look forward to reading more from the Vine series.
February 19, 2021
Twists
The story started out slow and then got intense. Though the author doesn't go into graphic detail, you can still feel the brunt of the abuse Hayley suffers.
The story started out slow and then got intense. Though the author doesn't go into graphic detail, you can still feel the brunt of the abuse Hayley suffers.
February 15, 2021
I had a great time reading this book. The characters are engaging and well developed throughout the pages. The storyline is interesting and flowed easily throughout the pages.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2021
Fast paced psychological thriller.
Wow this story had me enthralled from start to finish.
The story is fast paced with a complicated plot full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Vine Cross is the first in a trilogy and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend this dark romance, the story will keep you guessing throughout.
The author is very talented and had created a beautifully created world and great character development. At points felt the true emotions Hayley felt during the book and could slip into her head space.
Wow this story had me enthralled from start to finish.
The story is fast paced with a complicated plot full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Vine Cross is the first in a trilogy and I can't wait to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend this dark romance, the story will keep you guessing throughout.
The author is very talented and had created a beautifully created world and great character development. At points felt the true emotions Hayley felt during the book and could slip into her head space.
February 12, 2021
Overall, this was a good story, but it seemed to fade towards the end. After multiple chapters with intricate details, I felt the explanations and fate of the numerous characters were quickly discussed, leaving me a bit unsatisfied. I would, however, read more by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 7, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book via Booksprout on exchange for a voluntary review. All opinions are my own.
The Vine Cross is the first book I have read by Sally Dawes. The story is has promising elements. It concerns a girl, Hayley, who is running from her past. She gets involved with Jessie, a Detective Inspector.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the story. The reader is thrown straight in the action - which was good - but there were a lot of characters to follow. Once I read on, the story became clearer.
I got the impression the author is a fan of crime programmes and books as the attention to detail is very apparent during the police interviews with suspects.
This was a good read overall, I’ve which I’d recommend.
The Vine Cross is the first book I have read by Sally Dawes. The story is has promising elements. It concerns a girl, Hayley, who is running from her past. She gets involved with Jessie, a Detective Inspector.
I was a bit confused at the beginning of the story. The reader is thrown straight in the action - which was good - but there were a lot of characters to follow. Once I read on, the story became clearer.
I got the impression the author is a fan of crime programmes and books as the attention to detail is very apparent during the police interviews with suspects.
This was a good read overall, I’ve which I’d recommend.
February 9, 2021
Well worth a read!
It's been a while since I read a good crime thriller kind of book and this was a great one to get into. It did take me a couple of chapters before I figured out where the plot was going, but keep reading as I promise it is well worth it. This book deals with some sensitive issues just as a forewarning. Well done.
It's been a while since I read a good crime thriller kind of book and this was a great one to get into. It did take me a couple of chapters before I figured out where the plot was going, but keep reading as I promise it is well worth it. This book deals with some sensitive issues just as a forewarning. Well done.
April 22, 2021
I must admit I really really struggled getting into the writing. It took me a while to figure out who was talking with who. I felt like the characters were speaking in third person the whole time and that’s why I could get into the book.
If I ignored how the book was and the way it was formatted, I’d say it’s just okay. There were certain mysterious aspects that kept me intrigued but just not enough to where I really wanted to finish it.
All in all it was okay and I’d say give it a shot if it intrigues you.
If I ignored how the book was and the way it was formatted, I’d say it’s just okay. There were certain mysterious aspects that kept me intrigued but just not enough to where I really wanted to finish it.
All in all it was okay and I’d say give it a shot if it intrigues you.
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