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Till Death
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .
It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.
First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.
But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.
It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.
First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.
But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2017
437 people are currently reading
12780 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer L. Armentrout
154 books157k followersHey Guys! Please note: I don't send out ARCs for review. If you're interested in reviewing a book of mine before release date, please contact the appropriate publisher. I also do NOT check my Goodreads email.
To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
To email me, please use the below addy.
jenniferlarmentrout@live.com
# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.
Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.
She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.
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April 29, 2023
4 stars!
"People don't get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I'm not going to let that pass us by."
Almost a decade ago, Sasha survived one of the worst horrors a person can face, and she was the only one to make it out alive. Now, years later, she has returned to her home town to help her mom run the family business. Sasha’s return stirs up many memories, good ones and bad ones. While Sasha is welcomed by old friends and family, other members of the town are not so happy to have her back with the memories she brings with her.
When Sasha left, she cut off ties with everyone but her mother and her best friend. One of those she left behind was her then boyfriend Cole, who she loved and never quite got over. Cole is clearly happy to see Sasha again, and makes it clear he wants to reconnect. But Sasha’s past trauma makes it hard for her to trust people, and on top of that someone is going out of their way to make sure she knows she is not welcome, using threatening and scary tactics.
“Sometimes you cared so deeply about someone that no matter what happened, you never really stopped.”
I’m not normally a suspense reader, but I will read anything Jennifer Armentrout puts out. I read her teen suspense novel Don’t Look Back and enjoyed it, so I knew she would do a good job writing in this genre. I’ve also seen romance junkies concerned this book will lack romance, it’s something they shouldn’t be worried about because this book contains a lot of it. Readers will love Sasha and Cole and will relish their journey back to each other.
Till Death contains an engrossing story that seizes your attention and holds it in its grasp until the very last page. I had fun guessing at what would happen next and guessing at who the bad guy was. Alpha male addicts will love Cole, and at the same time appreciate the fact that Sasha wants to fight back herself at the threats that come her way. Instead of being a weak victim, she’s a strong woman who combats those meaning to harm her.
Thrilling and engaging, you need to make Till Death a priority on your to be read list!
“I’m going to keep myself safe. But I’ll let you help.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
"People don't get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I'm not going to let that pass us by."
Almost a decade ago, Sasha survived one of the worst horrors a person can face, and she was the only one to make it out alive. Now, years later, she has returned to her home town to help her mom run the family business. Sasha’s return stirs up many memories, good ones and bad ones. While Sasha is welcomed by old friends and family, other members of the town are not so happy to have her back with the memories she brings with her.
When Sasha left, she cut off ties with everyone but her mother and her best friend. One of those she left behind was her then boyfriend Cole, who she loved and never quite got over. Cole is clearly happy to see Sasha again, and makes it clear he wants to reconnect. But Sasha’s past trauma makes it hard for her to trust people, and on top of that someone is going out of their way to make sure she knows she is not welcome, using threatening and scary tactics.
“Sometimes you cared so deeply about someone that no matter what happened, you never really stopped.”
I’m not normally a suspense reader, but I will read anything Jennifer Armentrout puts out. I read her teen suspense novel Don’t Look Back and enjoyed it, so I knew she would do a good job writing in this genre. I’ve also seen romance junkies concerned this book will lack romance, it’s something they shouldn’t be worried about because this book contains a lot of it. Readers will love Sasha and Cole and will relish their journey back to each other.
Till Death contains an engrossing story that seizes your attention and holds it in its grasp until the very last page. I had fun guessing at what would happen next and guessing at who the bad guy was. Alpha male addicts will love Cole, and at the same time appreciate the fact that Sasha wants to fight back herself at the threats that come her way. Instead of being a weak victim, she’s a strong woman who combats those meaning to harm her.
Thrilling and engaging, you need to make Till Death a priority on your to be read list!
“I’m going to keep myself safe. But I’ll let you help.”
ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review
June 9, 2018
its no secret that i love jennifer armentrout. her YA novels are where i think her strength is at, but this just proves she can do anything. and she does it well. the pacing of this book was outstanding - i finished this in nearly one sitting. there was a really nice balance between learning about sashas past and everything that is happening in her present. i think this book would be perfect for those who are looking to ease into the mystery/thriller genre, as this had a riveting plot, complex characters, steamy romance elements, and concise writing. really enjoyable overall!
4 stars
4 stars
July 3, 2018
Dieses Buch war definitiv eine positive Überraschung!
Der Klappentext hat mich nämlich gar nicht so arg angesprochen, d.h. ich habe das Buch damals eigentlich nur gekauft weil es von Jennifer L. Armentrout geschrieben ist und dementsprechend lange lag es jetzt auch erstmal auf meinem SUB.
Jetzt hatte ich endlich mal Lust auf etwas mit einem Crime-/Thrill-Anteil. Der Plot war überraschend spannend und schien ziemlich gut durchdacht. Man wurde mehrmals auf eine falsche Fährte gelockt was den Täter betrifft, also alles so wie bei einem guten Thriller.
Auch das "sexy" wurde ganz gut mit in die Geschichte eingewoben, obwohl ich mir da etwas mehr gewünscht hätte, daher auch der Stern Abzug.
Aber ansonsten hat mich das Buch echt sehr gut unterhalten und ich freue mich nun, dass bald noch ein solches "Sexy Crime"-Buch von Armentrout erscheint 👌🏻
Der Klappentext hat mich nämlich gar nicht so arg angesprochen, d.h. ich habe das Buch damals eigentlich nur gekauft weil es von Jennifer L. Armentrout geschrieben ist und dementsprechend lange lag es jetzt auch erstmal auf meinem SUB.
Jetzt hatte ich endlich mal Lust auf etwas mit einem Crime-/Thrill-Anteil. Der Plot war überraschend spannend und schien ziemlich gut durchdacht. Man wurde mehrmals auf eine falsche Fährte gelockt was den Täter betrifft, also alles so wie bei einem guten Thriller.
Auch das "sexy" wurde ganz gut mit in die Geschichte eingewoben, obwohl ich mir da etwas mehr gewünscht hätte, daher auch der Stern Abzug.
Aber ansonsten hat mich das Buch echt sehr gut unterhalten und ich freue mich nun, dass bald noch ein solches "Sexy Crime"-Buch von Armentrout erscheint 👌🏻
March 1, 2017
Suspenseful and smart, Armentrout has you on the edge of your seat and will not let you move.
When Sasha returns to her home town she left behind ten years ago, she thinks her life will finally start to fall into place as she imagined before tragedy struck her life. When Sasha was just a teenager she was abducted by a serial killer known as "The Groom". She was the only one to escape his clutches and has spent years in intensive therapy as a result. Despite this, Sasha is a strong woman. At 29, she is still coping with her past, but has the tools to help herself now.
Sasha has returned to help her Mom run their family inn when strange things start to happen... Her car is broken into and girls are starting to go missing once again. The circumstances have Sasha wondering if this is coincidence or something more sinister.
I absolutely love when Jennifer L. Armentrout puts pen to paper.... or is it finger to keyboard now? Who knows. Jenn, how do you write, so I can get my life straight? Anyway, JLA just writes books that I want to read. She is truly such a versatile author. YA, NA, Adult - nothing can get in her way as far as content, readability, and the overall entertainment value of her novels. I would not be worried in the least to purchase any of her works. I mean she wrote about aliens in high school and it was a New York Times bestseller. Till Death is no exception to this statement. This book is one of my first 5 star reviews this year. It is suspenseful and has you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is going on in this town.
Sasha has quite the support system. Her mom and best friend are there for her any time she may need them and now Cole is back in the picture. She is reluctant at first to give into his advances, but her best friend and Mom are right there to put her back in her place. We really see Sasha grow as a character from the beginning of this book until the end. I love when books show you how the characters morph into stronger people as the story goes on.
This book has the perfect balance of suspense and romance. If you're worried about the romance aspect, worry not! Cole is super swoonworthy. ;)
If you like suspense, romance, thrillers, JLA, or all 4 you should pick up this book. You won't be disappointed. Till Death grips you from the start and keeps you locked on until the last page. Wonderful job, Armentrout, as always.
-------------------------------------
Y'all know my JLA obsession is strong. Got this beauty yesterday!
Because JLA is one of those instaread authors for me! :)
When Sasha returns to her home town she left behind ten years ago, she thinks her life will finally start to fall into place as she imagined before tragedy struck her life. When Sasha was just a teenager she was abducted by a serial killer known as "The Groom". She was the only one to escape his clutches and has spent years in intensive therapy as a result. Despite this, Sasha is a strong woman. At 29, she is still coping with her past, but has the tools to help herself now.
Sasha has returned to help her Mom run their family inn when strange things start to happen... Her car is broken into and girls are starting to go missing once again. The circumstances have Sasha wondering if this is coincidence or something more sinister.
I absolutely love when Jennifer L. Armentrout puts pen to paper.... or is it finger to keyboard now? Who knows. Jenn, how do you write, so I can get my life straight? Anyway, JLA just writes books that I want to read. She is truly such a versatile author. YA, NA, Adult - nothing can get in her way as far as content, readability, and the overall entertainment value of her novels. I would not be worried in the least to purchase any of her works. I mean she wrote about aliens in high school and it was a New York Times bestseller. Till Death is no exception to this statement. This book is one of my first 5 star reviews this year. It is suspenseful and has you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what is going on in this town.
Sasha has quite the support system. Her mom and best friend are there for her any time she may need them and now Cole is back in the picture. She is reluctant at first to give into his advances, but her best friend and Mom are right there to put her back in her place. We really see Sasha grow as a character from the beginning of this book until the end. I love when books show you how the characters morph into stronger people as the story goes on.
This book has the perfect balance of suspense and romance. If you're worried about the romance aspect, worry not! Cole is super swoonworthy. ;)
If you like suspense, romance, thrillers, JLA, or all 4 you should pick up this book. You won't be disappointed. Till Death grips you from the start and keeps you locked on until the last page. Wonderful job, Armentrout, as always.
-------------------------------------
Y'all know my JLA obsession is strong. Got this beauty yesterday!
Because JLA is one of those instaread authors for me! :)
June 14, 2018
It took me way too long to get to this WV writer and when I finally do, the first book I grab is set in the very county that my family is from (the "v" in "jv" is for VanMetre). But I would have enjoyed this moving-faster-than-lightning-mystery regardless of the setting. And I'll be reading all the books by Ms. Armentrout.
December 20, 2018
DNF @ 50%
The story started off really good but unfortunately, it fell flat for me after a while! Till Death is romantic suspense but the romance part lacked the passion and for the suspense part I guessed right about the killer the moment they came to the story. But still, I think it was just me and not the book as you can see all the good reviews and ratings. So don’t listen to me and read it, hope you like it more than me!
The story started off really good but unfortunately, it fell flat for me after a while! Till Death is romantic suspense but the romance part lacked the passion and for the suspense part I guessed right about the killer the moment they came to the story. But still, I think it was just me and not the book as you can see all the good reviews and ratings. So don’t listen to me and read it, hope you like it more than me!
March 20, 2017
I don't know if I am getting into a reading slump or not but I was kinda disappointed with this book. The book was good, don't get me wrong, but I was expecting more.
March 3, 2017
3.5 Stars
February 13, 2017
4.5 Suspenseful Stars
I’m a HUGE fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout. She usually writes NA and YA reads. I was really surprised to have received this one. I haven’t read a suspenseful book in a while and I forgot how much I love this genre.
The book is 100% mysterious and will keep you intrigue and guessing until the very end.
Sasha is coming back home after ten years. She lives in a small hometown where everyone knows her business. Something tragic and horrible happened to her in the past and even though she is fully recovered from the event, she still trying to move forward.
Right away we know something happened to Sasha, it doesn’t go into full detail into what happened but we know it was BAD. I really liked Sasha as a person. I found her really strong, loyal and extremely kind. She’s not a wallflower, but I do like my damsels in distress and it’s always nice to be saved.
Cole is the boy Sasha had a relationship with before everything happened. Maybe they would have still been together if it wasn’t for what happened to Sasha. So its years later and Cole realizes Sasha is back in town.
OH MY GOODNESS, how I loved Cole. Cole was the PERFECT HERO character. Cole is a FBI agent and when Sasha left he was a young man, but now he’s a full grown man. He’s ready to get into Sasha’s life again, even if he has to push and shove his way through. I LOVE it when the Hero chases the Heroine. It’s so delicious to read and I had a smile on my face THE ENTIRE TIME.
I really enjoyed Till Death. I love the suspenseful plot. I loved finding out throughout the book what happened to Sasha. I loved guessing who was good and who was bad. I loved reading about Cole and Sasha’s relationship and I found the chemistry really … and I’ll say it again good.
Till Death was the perfect suspenseful dramatic read.
ARC was provided by William Morrow and I volunteered to review.
AMAZON
Review as an..
I’m a HUGE fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout. She usually writes NA and YA reads. I was really surprised to have received this one. I haven’t read a suspenseful book in a while and I forgot how much I love this genre.
The book is 100% mysterious and will keep you intrigue and guessing until the very end.
Sasha is coming back home after ten years. She lives in a small hometown where everyone knows her business. Something tragic and horrible happened to her in the past and even though she is fully recovered from the event, she still trying to move forward.
Right away we know something happened to Sasha, it doesn’t go into full detail into what happened but we know it was BAD. I really liked Sasha as a person. I found her really strong, loyal and extremely kind. She’s not a wallflower, but I do like my damsels in distress and it’s always nice to be saved.
Cole is the boy Sasha had a relationship with before everything happened. Maybe they would have still been together if it wasn’t for what happened to Sasha. So its years later and Cole realizes Sasha is back in town.
OH MY GOODNESS, how I loved Cole. Cole was the PERFECT HERO character. Cole is a FBI agent and when Sasha left he was a young man, but now he’s a full grown man. He’s ready to get into Sasha’s life again, even if he has to push and shove his way through. I LOVE it when the Hero chases the Heroine. It’s so delicious to read and I had a smile on my face THE ENTIRE TIME.
I really enjoyed Till Death. I love the suspenseful plot. I loved finding out throughout the book what happened to Sasha. I loved guessing who was good and who was bad. I loved reading about Cole and Sasha’s relationship and I found the chemistry really … and I’ll say it again good.
Till Death was the perfect suspenseful dramatic read.
ARC was provided by William Morrow and I volunteered to review.
AMAZONReview as an..
March 1, 2017
4.5 stars – Romantic Suspense
I was super excited when I heard JLA, one of my favorite authors, was writing a romantic suspense serial killer thriller, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint. The best thing about this book was the emotional, genuine second-chance romance aspect of the story. And I loved the protective, swoonalicious hero!
The suspense element was well done and spectacularly creeptastic, but I knew who the . There were a few lingering, unanswered questions, and I would’ve liked a more fleshed out, detailed ending and a bit more from the epilogue. Still, this was a really great romantic suspense read, and I hope JLA writes more of this genre!
I was super excited when I heard JLA, one of my favorite authors, was writing a romantic suspense serial killer thriller, and for the most part, it didn’t disappoint. The best thing about this book was the emotional, genuine second-chance romance aspect of the story. And I loved the protective, swoonalicious hero!
The suspense element was well done and spectacularly creeptastic, but I knew who the . There were a few lingering, unanswered questions, and I would’ve liked a more fleshed out, detailed ending and a bit more from the epilogue. Still, this was a really great romantic suspense read, and I hope JLA writes more of this genre!
April 16, 2017
I probably shouldn't have read this at night... *shivers*
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .
It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.
First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.
But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.
What I Liked:
Jennifer L. Armentrout has proven that can write just about any genre and totally rock it. She has written countless Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult novels across many genres - contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, romance, and a combination of all of those. Add romantic suspense to that list! Till Death is very different compared to her other books, but it's easily one of her best books.
Sasha Keaton is coming back to her hometown after ten years, to help her mother with her struggling inn. Ten years ago, Sasha was kidnapped by the Groom, but she escaped, becoming the first and only victim to do so. Ten years later, right around the time of her coming back to West Virginia, the kidnappings and murders begin again, and with so many details being exactly like how the Groom used to do things, it can't be a coincidence. Sasha isn't safe, and neither are countless innocent women. Sasha, her mother, her friends, and Cole Landis might not have enough time before this serial killer comes after Sasha for good.
This book really delivered on the "suspense" aspect. At first I thought I was going to be reading a carbon copy of Katee Robert's The Devil's Daughter, which just published a month ago. That book was awesome, by the way. There were definitely similarities, but the two books are so different. Both authors really nail the suspense, and the romance too, though I will say that Armentrout slays when it comes to romance, and this book was no exception.
From the start, you can tell how much Sasha's traumatic past is still affecting her. She has nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks, and just being back make sure shake. But she is not a coward and in many ways, she isn't afraid. I love how strong Sasha is and how much stronger she becomes. As the story unfolds, the case gets weirder and creepier and more connected to Sasha, but she handles everything well. Realistically, and also, well.
Suffice it to say, I liked Sasha. I liked her vulnerabilities and her walls. She had every right to be afraid and closed off. But it was nice to see her open up and really live...
... Which a big part of that is because of Cole Landis. Ten years ago, Cole and Sasha were in the beginning of what would have been an adorable and swoony relationship, as two college students. He is three years older than her, and now he is an FBI agent. Ten years didn't diminish her feelings for him - and it turns out, the same is true for him. Cole is a huge part of Sasha's emotional journey of this book. He is with her through everything that happens in this book, and cares for her and protects her like a man that will never give up and won't let go. Cole is such a sweetheart and a fiercely protective man, and he's exactly what Sasha needed - and wanted. I swooned over the man at least a dozen times because dang, he is definitely too good to be true.
The romance is and isn't a big part of the book. It certainly isn't the most important aspect, but it is very, very there. Cole and Sasha reconnect and fall for each other (again) pretty quickly, but not in an insta-love type of way. This romance is technically a second-chance romance, but without all the angst of one person hurting the other and breaking up. So it was a second-chance romance, but really, it was a first-love romance too. I adored the romance.
A note - this is 100% an adult romantic suspense novel. There are some very steamy scenes involving Cole and Sasha. I definitely approve and loved their significance, but just keep that in mind if you're a younger reader or looking to recommend this book to a younger reader.
I also loved some of the other relationships of this story. Sasha's relationship with her mom and her relationship with her best friend Miranda are both very positive and strong relationships, which was nice to see.
One thing I want to mention is how Sasha's kidnapping/experience (for lack of a better word) is so heartbreaking and cruel, but it isn't a major plot point. Like, the awful, sick things that the Groom did to her aren't totally and fully stated - and it isn't necessary, because (1) we can read between the lines for what isn't stated directly and (2) this book isn't entirely about her moving through that trauma. She spent six years doing intense therapy to work through that trauma. I like that this book didn't focus on her emotional pain from what the Groom did - though what he did was extremely important (and terrible and twisted and sick) to the story.
The author twisted the story so that you're not quite sure who the Groom was and who the new killer is. BUT, I will say that upon meeting a certain character, I knew that would be the killer. I just knew. One critical detail about that character, mentioned in passing when the character is first introduced (somewhat early on in the book) tipped me off. I was confident that that was the killer, and I looked for shady behavior and "Easter eggs" as I read. It sucks that I knew early on, but I'm pretty sure that was just me and most people won't guess so early. So, be prepared to be swung all over the place, because even though I got the killer correct, there were other aspects that were extremely surprising.
Overall, this book really delivered, in terms of the suspense, and the romance. I loved how important both of those aspects were to the story. I love Cole and Sasha's relationship and how strong it was, completely unshakable and no drama. I loved seeing Sasha get stronger and move forward - but Cole too (because what happened to Sasha really affected him too). I really enjoyed this book!
What I Did Not Like:
I already talked about this above, but I'm kind of sad that I guessed the killer so early on. Again, it's likely just me being too clever and/or suspicious of everyone, and I think most readers so far were fairly surprised. And there are other aspects of the climax and ending that will surprise you. Anyway this is a "dislike" that isn't really a dislike because it's entirely my problem/fault!
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book if you like suspense! Or if you like romance, because this book keeps pretty steamy (like, adult romance steamy), and the romance is so sweet. I'm not totally into suspense (I'm a scaredy cat) and this book was kind of scary/creepy but not so much so that I was freaked out (and again, I'm the scaredest of scaredy cats). I highly recommend this book, but also The Devil's Daughter by Katee Robert (though that book's romance it a little less X-rated).
Rating:
4 stars. Maybe don't do what I did and read this one at night! Read it in broad daylight but also in an enclosed area where you know all of the exits and entrances... this book has me feeling so paranoid right now. This is the sixteenth book of Armentrout's that I've read, and I think it's her best yet. Not necessarily my favorite (though it's up there), but in my opinion, her most well-written book yet.
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Till Death by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: William Morrow
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
In New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout’s gripping new novel, a young woman comes home to reclaim her life—even as a murderer plots to end it. . .
It’s been ten years since Sasha Keaton left her West Virginia hometown . . . since she escaped the twisted serial killer known as the Groom. Returning to help run her family inn means being whole again, except for one missing piece. The piece that falls into place when Sasha’s threatened—and FBI agent Cole Landis vows to protect her the way he couldn’t a decade ago.
First one woman disappears; then another, and all the while, disturbing calling cards are left for the sole survivor of the Groom’s reign of terror. Cole’s never forgiven himself for not being there when Sasha was taken, but he intends to make up for it now . . . because under the quirky sexiness Cole first fell for is a steely strength that only makes him love Sasha more.
But someone is watching. Waiting. And Sasha’s first mistake could be her last.
What I Liked:
Jennifer L. Armentrout has proven that can write just about any genre and totally rock it. She has written countless Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult novels across many genres - contemporary, paranormal, fantasy, romance, and a combination of all of those. Add romantic suspense to that list! Till Death is very different compared to her other books, but it's easily one of her best books.
Sasha Keaton is coming back to her hometown after ten years, to help her mother with her struggling inn. Ten years ago, Sasha was kidnapped by the Groom, but she escaped, becoming the first and only victim to do so. Ten years later, right around the time of her coming back to West Virginia, the kidnappings and murders begin again, and with so many details being exactly like how the Groom used to do things, it can't be a coincidence. Sasha isn't safe, and neither are countless innocent women. Sasha, her mother, her friends, and Cole Landis might not have enough time before this serial killer comes after Sasha for good.
This book really delivered on the "suspense" aspect. At first I thought I was going to be reading a carbon copy of Katee Robert's The Devil's Daughter, which just published a month ago. That book was awesome, by the way. There were definitely similarities, but the two books are so different. Both authors really nail the suspense, and the romance too, though I will say that Armentrout slays when it comes to romance, and this book was no exception.
From the start, you can tell how much Sasha's traumatic past is still affecting her. She has nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks, and just being back make sure shake. But she is not a coward and in many ways, she isn't afraid. I love how strong Sasha is and how much stronger she becomes. As the story unfolds, the case gets weirder and creepier and more connected to Sasha, but she handles everything well. Realistically, and also, well.
Suffice it to say, I liked Sasha. I liked her vulnerabilities and her walls. She had every right to be afraid and closed off. But it was nice to see her open up and really live...
... Which a big part of that is because of Cole Landis. Ten years ago, Cole and Sasha were in the beginning of what would have been an adorable and swoony relationship, as two college students. He is three years older than her, and now he is an FBI agent. Ten years didn't diminish her feelings for him - and it turns out, the same is true for him. Cole is a huge part of Sasha's emotional journey of this book. He is with her through everything that happens in this book, and cares for her and protects her like a man that will never give up and won't let go. Cole is such a sweetheart and a fiercely protective man, and he's exactly what Sasha needed - and wanted. I swooned over the man at least a dozen times because dang, he is definitely too good to be true.
The romance is and isn't a big part of the book. It certainly isn't the most important aspect, but it is very, very there. Cole and Sasha reconnect and fall for each other (again) pretty quickly, but not in an insta-love type of way. This romance is technically a second-chance romance, but without all the angst of one person hurting the other and breaking up. So it was a second-chance romance, but really, it was a first-love romance too. I adored the romance.
A note - this is 100% an adult romantic suspense novel. There are some very steamy scenes involving Cole and Sasha. I definitely approve and loved their significance, but just keep that in mind if you're a younger reader or looking to recommend this book to a younger reader.
I also loved some of the other relationships of this story. Sasha's relationship with her mom and her relationship with her best friend Miranda are both very positive and strong relationships, which was nice to see.
One thing I want to mention is how Sasha's kidnapping/experience (for lack of a better word) is so heartbreaking and cruel, but it isn't a major plot point. Like, the awful, sick things that the Groom did to her aren't totally and fully stated - and it isn't necessary, because (1) we can read between the lines for what isn't stated directly and (2) this book isn't entirely about her moving through that trauma. She spent six years doing intense therapy to work through that trauma. I like that this book didn't focus on her emotional pain from what the Groom did - though what he did was extremely important (and terrible and twisted and sick) to the story.
The author twisted the story so that you're not quite sure who the Groom was and who the new killer is. BUT, I will say that upon meeting a certain character, I knew that would be the killer. I just knew. One critical detail about that character, mentioned in passing when the character is first introduced (somewhat early on in the book) tipped me off. I was confident that that was the killer, and I looked for shady behavior and "Easter eggs" as I read. It sucks that I knew early on, but I'm pretty sure that was just me and most people won't guess so early. So, be prepared to be swung all over the place, because even though I got the killer correct, there were other aspects that were extremely surprising.
Overall, this book really delivered, in terms of the suspense, and the romance. I loved how important both of those aspects were to the story. I love Cole and Sasha's relationship and how strong it was, completely unshakable and no drama. I loved seeing Sasha get stronger and move forward - but Cole too (because what happened to Sasha really affected him too). I really enjoyed this book!
What I Did Not Like:
I already talked about this above, but I'm kind of sad that I guessed the killer so early on. Again, it's likely just me being too clever and/or suspicious of everyone, and I think most readers so far were fairly surprised. And there are other aspects of the climax and ending that will surprise you. Anyway this is a "dislike" that isn't really a dislike because it's entirely my problem/fault!
Would I Recommend It:
I highly recommend this book if you like suspense! Or if you like romance, because this book keeps pretty steamy (like, adult romance steamy), and the romance is so sweet. I'm not totally into suspense (I'm a scaredy cat) and this book was kind of scary/creepy but not so much so that I was freaked out (and again, I'm the scaredest of scaredy cats). I highly recommend this book, but also The Devil's Daughter by Katee Robert (though that book's romance it a little less X-rated).
Rating:
4 stars. Maybe don't do what I did and read this one at night! Read it in broad daylight but also in an enclosed area where you know all of the exits and entrances... this book has me feeling so paranoid right now. This is the sixteenth book of Armentrout's that I've read, and I think it's her best yet. Not necessarily my favorite (though it's up there), but in my opinion, her most well-written book yet.
February 10, 2017
A gripping suspenseful read with a fantastic romance to boot, Till Death is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I was very intrigued to read this book as it's a new departure for Jennifer Armentrout and I was interested to see how she would pull it off. Well, my reigning fave author has just proven she can turn her hand to any genre and deliver a knock-out story.
Sasha fled her hometown ten years ago in the aftermath of a hideous kidnapping at the hands of the serial killer known as The Groom. She left behind a mother and a boyfriend she loved and started a new life away from all the horrific memories. But she returns home to the Inn she has always dreamed of running and things pretty much pick up where they left off. Her college boyfriend is now hot FBI agent Cole Landis and his reappearance in her life the minute she shows up in town tells you all you need to know. Their romance was cut short due to her ordeal ten years ago and it's obvious both of them never forgot the other.
Any fans of JLA that are worried about lack of romance - let me reassure you, you will not be disappointed. Cole and Sasha are an amazing couple and their chemistry is electrifying. They reconnect slowly but surely and it was an integral part of the plot. Cole feels like he let Sasha down ten years ago so he's determined to protect her this time. And, boy, does she need it because strange things are happening around her and women are missing, and it's clear that she is being targeted again.
Cole is one of the best book boyfriends Jennifer has written. He was suave, charismatic, intelligent, protective, hot, loyal, and I could add so much more but you get the gist. I loved him, and he was quite a different male character for Jen to write which I appreciated. Sasha was a great heroine. She was strong and brave despite all she had been through. I also loved her mother.
JLA perfectly blends the romance with the suspense and everything builds to an explosive climactic scene that was superbly written. I had chills all over reading the last few chapters.
The only reason this is a four-star review is the fact that I guessed the who and the why early on (like ridiculously early on) and it dented my enjoyment. I was hoping I was wrong but as more clues were dropped I knew I was right. While one part of me was mentally high-fiving myself for figuring it out so early, another part of me hated that it was so predictable (to me anyway.) Now, if you don't read a lot of romantic suspense or mystery/thrillers I don't think you will work it out, but I spent years reading thrillers/crime novels and one of the reasons I stopped reading them was because it was too easy to work out the plot twists and that was the case with Till Death. That doesn't detract from the fact this is a very well-written book with a decent plot, perfect pacing, great world building, and complex characterization.
Overall, I can say this was a great read and mean it, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to Jennifer's fans or fans of romantic suspense.
I'd like to thank the author and her assistant for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog in due course.
I was very intrigued to read this book as it's a new departure for Jennifer Armentrout and I was interested to see how she would pull it off. Well, my reigning fave author has just proven she can turn her hand to any genre and deliver a knock-out story.
Sasha fled her hometown ten years ago in the aftermath of a hideous kidnapping at the hands of the serial killer known as The Groom. She left behind a mother and a boyfriend she loved and started a new life away from all the horrific memories. But she returns home to the Inn she has always dreamed of running and things pretty much pick up where they left off. Her college boyfriend is now hot FBI agent Cole Landis and his reappearance in her life the minute she shows up in town tells you all you need to know. Their romance was cut short due to her ordeal ten years ago and it's obvious both of them never forgot the other.
Any fans of JLA that are worried about lack of romance - let me reassure you, you will not be disappointed. Cole and Sasha are an amazing couple and their chemistry is electrifying. They reconnect slowly but surely and it was an integral part of the plot. Cole feels like he let Sasha down ten years ago so he's determined to protect her this time. And, boy, does she need it because strange things are happening around her and women are missing, and it's clear that she is being targeted again.
Cole is one of the best book boyfriends Jennifer has written. He was suave, charismatic, intelligent, protective, hot, loyal, and I could add so much more but you get the gist. I loved him, and he was quite a different male character for Jen to write which I appreciated. Sasha was a great heroine. She was strong and brave despite all she had been through. I also loved her mother.
JLA perfectly blends the romance with the suspense and everything builds to an explosive climactic scene that was superbly written. I had chills all over reading the last few chapters.
The only reason this is a four-star review is the fact that I guessed the who and the why early on (like ridiculously early on) and it dented my enjoyment. I was hoping I was wrong but as more clues were dropped I knew I was right. While one part of me was mentally high-fiving myself for figuring it out so early, another part of me hated that it was so predictable (to me anyway.) Now, if you don't read a lot of romantic suspense or mystery/thrillers I don't think you will work it out, but I spent years reading thrillers/crime novels and one of the reasons I stopped reading them was because it was too easy to work out the plot twists and that was the case with Till Death. That doesn't detract from the fact this is a very well-written book with a decent plot, perfect pacing, great world building, and complex characterization.
Overall, I can say this was a great read and mean it, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to Jennifer's fans or fans of romantic suspense.
I'd like to thank the author and her assistant for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This review will appear on my blog in due course.
March 6, 2017
A really good second-chance romance!!
I’d died ten years ago.
Not from the injuries and all . . . all the damage. I died from everything else, and I’d just been existing since then. That knowledge was nothing new.
Cole Landis and Sasha Keaton met in college, where they were pretty crazy about each other and their relationship showed a lot of promise until Sasha became the target of the Groom, a twisted serial killer. Sasha is the only victim to have survived, broken but alive. And for ten years she hadn’t been able to return to her hometown, the memories too much for her. But Sasha had always dreamed of helping her mother run their family inn and someday taking it over, and the time has come for her to return home. What she didn’t expect was to come face to face with Cole, the young man she loved and left, and for him to look at her the same way he did back then, as if she’s the only one that mattered. And when more women starts disappearing and Sasha becomes the target of random vandalism, it seems Sasha has become the target of another monster.
He terrified me.
Because he symbolized everything I should’ve had but didn’t.
I liked Sasha from the get go. She survived something so terrible by building walls and being paranoid and I found her incredibly brave.
He was staring at me like he’d never expected to see me again—like he’d hoped that he would but hadn’t placed a lot of faith in that hope.
Then there’s Cole and he seemed to not have gotten over Sasha. I loved how he raced to her side the moment he found out she was back and how he wanted another chance with her and to keep her safe. I do wish we had gotten his POV too.
“People don’t get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I’m not going to let that pass us by.”
The romance was great! I loved the chemistry between them, the intense feelings that was still there ever after a decade apart.
There aren’t a lot of authors who can write a decent romantic suspense, but this author go the balance between the suspense and the romance just right. The suspense was gripping even though I had my suspicious about who the killer was early on and I enjoyed this book immensely. A solid RS and a must read for all fans.
May 26, 2018
📚”Neden kendinden uzaklaştırıyorsun beni?”
“Uzaklaş...”
“Evet uzaklaştırıyorsun.”
Gecenin bir yarısı, karanlık odamda, göğsüne yaslanmış onun kucağında otururken bunu tartışmak istemiyordum.
“Bırak gideyim,” dedim.
“Bırakacağım. Ama önce bir şey söylemem gerek.
Duvarların var. Anlıyorum. Neden kendine duvarlar ördüğünü de anlayabiliyorum, on yıldır bir tane bile ciddi ilişkin olmamasının sebebinin bu olduğuna eminim. Bunu da anlayabiliyorum. Ama ben öyle rastgele tanıştığın bir erkek değilim. Sana ulaşabilmek, o duvarları kırabilmek için çabalamaya değeceğini bilmeyen biri değilim.”
Aman Tanrım.
“İnsanların genelde ikinci bir şansları olmaz Sasha ama bizim oldu ve bu şansın elimizden kayıp gitmesine izin vermeyeceğim. Ve kıramayacağım duvar yok. İster teflondan olsun ister dikenli telden, hiçbiri bana engel olamaz. Seni bırakmayacağım. Bir daha olmaz.”😍😍
Kendime çığırtkanlık yapacağım yeni bir kitap buldum. Ramazan davulcusu gibi sokaklara çıkıp ‘bu kitabı okuyun’ diye bağırasım var.😃 Son zamanlarda okuduğum en heyecanlı kitaptı sanırım. Yazar kitabı resmen benim için yazmıştı, aşk-polisiye-gerilim-gizem, en sevdiklerimin hepsi bir aradaydı. Bazı yerleri klişeydi ama iyi yazılan klişelerin tadı damakta kalır bence. Bu kitap da çok çok iyi yazılmıştı.
En büyük özelliği, kitap boyunca bir sürü duyguyu bir arada yaşadım, çok hızlı duygu geçişleri vardı. Ortadaki gizem yüzünden meraklandım, Sasha’nın başına gelenlerde heyecanlandım. Cole’un aşkından eridim, önce su, sonra buhar oldum; Sasha yerine çok korktum ve en sonunda bir ağlamadığım kalmıştı deyip mutluluktan ağladım. (Teşekkür ederim Jennifer.😃😃)
Her şey o kadar dozunda yazılmıştı ki ne aşk ağır basıyordu, ne de cinayetler ve olaylar. Sasha ve Cole’un diyaloglarıyla gözümden kalpler çıkarırken, birden bire bir şey oluyordu ve heyecan başlıyordu. Bir yerden sonra katili, nedenini, bazı bağlantılı olayları tahmin etsem de merakım hiç azalmadı. Aksine, nasıl ortaya çıkacak diyerek daha çok heyecanlandım ve son 40 sayfayı resmen yerimde oturamadan, soluksuz okudum. Düğüm çözüldüğü ve her şey ortaya çıktığı an tahminlerimle yüzleştim, Sasha yerine yine üzüldüm.
Sasha, 10 yıl önce kaçırıldığında çok zor şeyler yaşamıştı ve katilin elinden sağ kurtulan tek kurbandı. Yazar, yaşadığı işkence dolu zamanı çok fazla detaylandırmamıştı ama üstü kapalı kullandığı bazı kelimelerle olayın iğrençliğini, pisliğini vurucu bir şekilde anlatmıştı. Yaşadıklarına ve Sasha’nın bunun üstesinden nasıl geldiğine hayret ettim. 19 yaşında çok ciddi bir kaçırılma vakası yaşamasına rağmen çok güçlü, sağlam, ayakları yere basan ve ne istediğini bilen bir karakterdi. Cole’la ilişkisinde, başlarda biraz tereddütle karışık inat etse de kafa karışıklığını, korkularını, acılarını çok iyi anladım ve çok sevdim.
Ve Cole...😍😍 Cole, anlatılmaz, okunur sadece.♥️♥️ Gerçek hayatta hiç olmadığı gibi, kitaplarda da bu tür bir erkek karakter zor bulunurdu bence. Kitaba girdiği an, hikayenin havası değişti, gerilim dozu yumuşadı. Cole yüzünden, polisiye-gerilim içeren bir kitabı, ya yüzümde şapşal bir sırıtışla ya da eriyerek okudum. Adam hem FBI ajanı, hem gençlik aşkı, hem şahane bir aşıktı. Sasha’nın korkularını, inadını, keşkelerini, her şeyi yerle bir etti. Onu sadece sevgisiyle, ilgisiyle sarıp sarmaladı. Hiçbir duygusunu, düşüncesini saklamadan, açık sözlülükle dile getirdi, hiçbir konuyu konuşmaktan kaçmadı. Sasha bir adım geri kaçtığında, Cole 2 adım ileri gitti. Geçmişte yaşanılanlar ve 10 yıllık uzaklık ikisinde de izler bırakmıştı. Ama hem öncesinde olanlara hem de yeniden olan olaylara Sasha’nın dayanabilmesinin, en büyük sebebi Cole’du. Korkularına karşı savaşırken yanına kalkan olarak aşkını aldı. Cole, şahane inadıyla fiziksel olarak da psikolojik olarak da hiç yanından ayrılmadı, hep destek oldu.
Basit, sade ama etkileyici ve akıcı bir dille yazılmıştı. Konunun ve yazarın dilinin akıcılığı yanında, olayların çok yönlü anlatılması da kitabın akıcı olmasını sağlamıştı. Genel olarak olaylar Sasha’nın ağzından anlatılmıştı ve onun duygularını anlamak için bu anlatım tarzı çok iyi bir seçimdi. Bunun yanında, arada çok kısa olsa da katilin ağzından yazılan bölümler ve Sasha’nın kabuslarında gördüğü, 10 yıl öncesinde olanların anlatıldığı bölümler vardı ki bu bölümler çok etkileyiciydi.
Kapak, orijinal kapaktan çok çok daha güzeldi, olaylardan izler taşıyor, okuyucuya bir şeyler anlatıyordu. Çevirisi ise bulmakta zorlandığımız, başarılı çevirilerdendi. Bir tane uygun olmayan kelime, anlamı bozuk ya da 2. defa okunmayı gerektiren cümle bulamadım. Kitabı orijinal dilinde okumuş ve yazarın aktarmak istediği duygulara el değmemiş, yorum katılmamış gibi hissettim.
📚Zamanda geri gidebilecek olsam, on dokuz yaşındaki Sasha’ya, olanları kabul et, yaşa gitsin derdim. Davet edildiği okul partilerine gitmesini söylerdim. Geç yatıp geç kalkmasını, kendine daha fazla güvenmesini, aynaya baktığında sahip olduklarının farkına varmasını...
Ekon101’de tanıştığı çocukla bir ilişkiye doğru kocaman bir adım atmasını.
Damat’ın beni bulmasıyla ilgili olarak her şeyden çok pişman olduğum konu muhtemelen buydu. Çünkü benim bütün ilklerimi elimden alıp onları iğrenç, zalimce bir şeye çevirmişti.
📚Cole beni korkutuyordu. Beni korkutuyordu çünkü bana normal bir şekilde bakışı bile daha önce hissetmediğim duyguları hissettirmişti. Dünyada başka kimse yokmuş, sadece beni görüyormuş gibi bakıyordu. Cole ile birlikte olmak bir uçurumun kenarında olmak gibiydi; düşmek yanında hiç kalırdı. Daha önce hiç böyle şeyler hissetmemiştim.
Ödümü koparıyordu.
📚”O geceden sonra uzun bir süre suçluluk hissiyle mücadele ettim. Aynı zamanda çok da öfkeliydim.”
“Cole...”
“O herifi öldürmek istedim. Yemin ediyorum elime geçirebilseydim öldürürdüm de. O orospu çocuğunun derisini kemiğinden sıyırır onu paramparça ederdim. Senden alıp götürdükleri için.”
Ah Tanrım ne başımı çevirebiliyordum ne söylediklerine engel olabiliyordum.
“Benden alıp götürdükleri için,” diye devam etti. Soğuk mavi gözleri benimkilere kitlenmişti. “...bu akşam kollarımda seninle burada oturma sebebim o geceyle ya da sana olanlarla ilgili hislerim değil. Kasabaya döndüğünü duyar duymaz kıçımı kaldırdığım gibi buraya gelme sebebim o değil.”
📚Cole daracık, rahatsız hastane sandalyesinde oturuyordu. Ayaklarını yatağımın kenarına uzatmıştı.
Kesik bir nefes alınca Cole’un gözleri aralandı.
“Selam,” dedi uykulu sesiyle.
“Selam.”
Yarım yamalak gülümsedi. “Nasılsın?”
“Harika.”
Gülümsemesi yüzüne yayıldı. “Kafanı çarpıp hastaneye geldin. Nasıl harika olabiliyorsun acaba?”
“Buradasın,” diye itiraf ettim.
Kaşları havaya kalktı ama sonra yüzündeki tüm hatlar yumuşadı. Elini yanağıma koydu, başparmağıyla çenemi okşadı. “Bu, ilaçların etkisinde konuşan Sasha’ysa çok hoşuma gitti.”
Bir anda yayılan acıyı önemsemeden güldüm. “O kadar da çok ilaç verilmedi.”
📚Damat’tan bu yana birlikte olduğum hiçbir adamı yanıma yaklaştırmamış, duvarlar örmüştüm ve kimse duvarları aşıp geçmeye çalışmadığı gibi kapıyı çalmaya dahi yeltenmemişti. Ta ki şimdiye dek. Cole o duvarı görmüş, kapıyı kırılana dek çalmıştı; o duvar çatlayıp da yıkılana dek. Tabii bir de ben vardım işin içinde. Onu içeri almıştım.
Hazırdım.
February 8, 2017
What can I say about this book without giving too much away? Well, one that it was a quick and awesome reading. I got hooked from the start and I needed to get to the end to see how it would all wrap up.
Sasha Keeton is a survivor. She was the only one who escaped The Groom. Coming back to her old hometown wasn’t an easy decision, but she does it for her mother. Finding herself back home should have brought some sense of peace that everything was over, but unfortunately for our main character, the past just won’t let go of her. Her return doesn’t go as smoothly as she hoped since many incidents happen from her car being vandalized to finding a dead animal in her mom’s car. Throughout the book, you will want to know who, why and most importantly, will they find out before it’s too late?
Sasha’s character spoke volume to me because she went through a lot and she is still standing, even if it’s on shaky legs. She has been more like going through the motion for the past ten years, but coming home was what she needed to start living again even if everything seems to tell her to leave town and never look back. She will make you go through a lot of emotions as the story develops and things start becoming more and more complicated.
Of course, you can't have a book from Jennifer L. Armentrout without a little bit of romance. So if you were feeling hesitant as if you should or shouldn't get into this book because you fear the lack of romance, take this idea out of your head. Cole Landis will give you what you crave for.
Believe me when I say you will all want a Cole Landis. From the moment he reappeared in her life, Cole has been nothing but patient with Sasha even when she was trying to do everything to push him away. He is there for her whenever she needs it and he shows her that she can trust him; can count on him. He has obvious guilt for what happened to her, but there is more than just guilt; he has never been able to forget her. He wants to do right by her and he is genuinely just a good guy.
As I am trying to keep this review spoiler free, I will add that you will love some of the other characters, you will hate others and some of them will leave you confused. All of these characters will bring something to the story and I won’t lie, I wouldn’t mind having some novellas about some of them, either from their past or future events because they made that kind of impact on me for wanting more from them.
So yes, I do recommend you plunge head first into this story. You will be asking for more as you finish chapter after chapter. Jennifer L. Armentrout gave us another awesome book with interesting characters and a story that will keep you on your toes.
I was giving an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Sasha Keeton is a survivor. She was the only one who escaped The Groom. Coming back to her old hometown wasn’t an easy decision, but she does it for her mother. Finding herself back home should have brought some sense of peace that everything was over, but unfortunately for our main character, the past just won’t let go of her. Her return doesn’t go as smoothly as she hoped since many incidents happen from her car being vandalized to finding a dead animal in her mom’s car. Throughout the book, you will want to know who, why and most importantly, will they find out before it’s too late?
Sasha’s character spoke volume to me because she went through a lot and she is still standing, even if it’s on shaky legs. She has been more like going through the motion for the past ten years, but coming home was what she needed to start living again even if everything seems to tell her to leave town and never look back. She will make you go through a lot of emotions as the story develops and things start becoming more and more complicated.
Of course, you can't have a book from Jennifer L. Armentrout without a little bit of romance. So if you were feeling hesitant as if you should or shouldn't get into this book because you fear the lack of romance, take this idea out of your head. Cole Landis will give you what you crave for.
Believe me when I say you will all want a Cole Landis. From the moment he reappeared in her life, Cole has been nothing but patient with Sasha even when she was trying to do everything to push him away. He is there for her whenever she needs it and he shows her that she can trust him; can count on him. He has obvious guilt for what happened to her, but there is more than just guilt; he has never been able to forget her. He wants to do right by her and he is genuinely just a good guy.
As I am trying to keep this review spoiler free, I will add that you will love some of the other characters, you will hate others and some of them will leave you confused. All of these characters will bring something to the story and I won’t lie, I wouldn’t mind having some novellas about some of them, either from their past or future events because they made that kind of impact on me for wanting more from them.
So yes, I do recommend you plunge head first into this story. You will be asking for more as you finish chapter after chapter. Jennifer L. Armentrout gave us another awesome book with interesting characters and a story that will keep you on your toes.
I was giving an advanced copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
February 20, 2017
This is the sort of book I constantly read before I discovered YA, and I always forget how delicious they are.
I loved Sasha and Cole. She's so strong and determined. I was rooting for her right from the beginning. Cole is a take charge kind of guy, but he supports Sasha perfectly. I truly enjoyed their relationship.
There were a few short chapters from the killer's POV and those were delightfully creepy. I loved the reveals and the twists and the final chapters. Oh, and the epilogue was damn near perfection.
I hope JLA writes more books like this because I'll definitely be reading them.
**Huge thanks William Morrow for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Sasha and Cole. She's so strong and determined. I was rooting for her right from the beginning. Cole is a take charge kind of guy, but he supports Sasha perfectly. I truly enjoyed their relationship.
There were a few short chapters from the killer's POV and those were delightfully creepy. I loved the reveals and the twists and the final chapters. Oh, and the epilogue was damn near perfection.
I hope JLA writes more books like this because I'll definitely be reading them.
**Huge thanks William Morrow for providing the arc free of charge**
February 28, 2017
Don't mind me I'm just screaming.
This book was crazily creepy and addictive. Holy moly. I have never waned to finish a book so quickly/read it so slowly.
I'm not sure if a full review will ever be able to be formatted because what? JLA did it yet again and I am beyond speechless. This woman needs to write more mystery books because I will inhale them.
This book was crazily creepy and addictive. Holy moly. I have never waned to finish a book so quickly/read it so slowly.
I'm not sure if a full review will ever be able to be formatted because what? JLA did it yet again and I am beyond speechless. This woman needs to write more mystery books because I will inhale them.
February 6, 2017
This book is a little different from JLA other books, but no less satisfying. This is a second chance romance with some dark twists thrown in. A little bit thriller, a little bit mystery, a little bit of romance. I think this book managed to have all three in a perfect balance of sweet and nail-bitting-edge-of-your-seat-freaking-out.
It kept me reading, and it kept me guessing and I had a couple of ideas in mind and kept flip-flopping between them and there was that one big surprise there in the middle. That one I didn't expect. Well played, JLA. Well played.
If you only read romances, don't let the thriller side of this book stop you from reading it. There's enough romance and sexy in it to keep you happy. I promise.
It kept me reading, and it kept me guessing and I had a couple of ideas in mind and kept flip-flopping between them and there was that one big surprise there in the middle. That one I didn't expect. Well played, JLA. Well played.
If you only read romances, don't let the thriller side of this book stop you from reading it. There's enough romance and sexy in it to keep you happy. I promise.
June 2, 2017
Wow what a ride! Nicely done JLA. I devoured this book so fast...The need to find out who the serial killer was intense. I loved that it truly could have been a number of people and therefor wasn't overly predictable. The balance of romance and suspense is spot on and I hope JLA decides to write more in this genre because she killed it!
November 4, 2017
Gut geschrieben wie immer, aber mir war schon nach einem Viertel des Buchs klar, wer der Mörder ist
March 20, 2017
3-3.5 stars
While Sasha reminds me of every other JLA heroine, the suspense/mystery is really good, and the romance is a nice complement to the plot and stays angst-free. Lots of swoony scenes. Once I got to the second half, I couldn't help but race through the pages. It took me until about 80% to feel confident in the identity of the killer, which is a job well done in my eyes. Again, I just wish her heroines wouldn't all run together at this point, making me wonder why the heroes are so infatuated with them.
While Sasha reminds me of every other JLA heroine, the suspense/mystery is really good, and the romance is a nice complement to the plot and stays angst-free. Lots of swoony scenes. Once I got to the second half, I couldn't help but race through the pages. It took me until about 80% to feel confident in the identity of the killer, which is a job well done in my eyes. Again, I just wish her heroines wouldn't all run together at this point, making me wonder why the heroes are so infatuated with them.
April 11, 2017
Till Death is a standalone, mystery novel written by Jennifer L. Armentrout...at least I think it's a standalone. It felt like it may be a spin-off of an existing book or series because there is clearly a backstory related to the romance in this story. Maybe it was meant to feel that way, jumping into a storyline midstream to prevent series territory and if that is the case, I can respect that. There was plenty of information given to paint a picture of multiple past events/relationship dynamics without reader confusion and that was much appreciated.
Ms. Armentrout wrote a fairly intense mystery that involves the only survivor of a twisted serial killer. The mystery brings out a bit of complexity in the characters as the present-day events resemble the serial killer from the past. Overall though, I couldn't help but feel that the characters and relationship dynamics felt somewhat one-dimensional at times, and although the romance had a history element woven in, it still read like insta-love to me. This story would have been killer (haha) if . But that wasn't Ms. Armentrout's vision and I was OK with the end result. Overall, I liked Till Death and would recommend it to fans of new-adult mysteries/suspense thrillers. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
"What had she said? The body was found in the infamous location used by the Groom to dump the bodies of his victims.
Dump the bodies.
Closing my eyes, I pressed my lips together. There were only a few phrases I hated more than that one. Like someone was out dumping trash along the road. These were innocent women—six innocent women who were sisters and daughters, friends and lovers. They weren’t something, even in death, that could simply be dumped like an empty fast-food bag."
Ms. Armentrout wrote a fairly intense mystery that involves the only survivor of a twisted serial killer. The mystery brings out a bit of complexity in the characters as the present-day events resemble the serial killer from the past. Overall though, I couldn't help but feel that the characters and relationship dynamics felt somewhat one-dimensional at times, and although the romance had a history element woven in, it still read like insta-love to me. This story would have been killer (haha) if . But that wasn't Ms. Armentrout's vision and I was OK with the end result. Overall, I liked Till Death and would recommend it to fans of new-adult mysteries/suspense thrillers. Check it out!
My favorite quote:
"What had she said? The body was found in the infamous location used by the Groom to dump the bodies of his victims.
Dump the bodies.
Closing my eyes, I pressed my lips together. There were only a few phrases I hated more than that one. Like someone was out dumping trash along the road. These were innocent women—six innocent women who were sisters and daughters, friends and lovers. They weren’t something, even in death, that could simply be dumped like an empty fast-food bag."
July 1, 2017
Till Death fue una lectura impresionante!
En cuanto lei la sinopsis me parecio muy diferente y llamativa y si ademas esta escrita por una de mis autoras favoritas, es un echo que voy a leerla.
Esta historia fue todo lo que esperaba, mis expectativas eran muy elevadas y aun asi la novela me sorprendio gratamente.
Creo que este libro es distinto a lo que nos tiene acostumbrada Jennifer L. Armentrout, en parte por la trama en si, hacia bastante tiempo que no leia un libro de esta tematica y puede que eso tambien influyera en mi impresion pero me gusto mucho conocer a Cole y Sasha.
Leer Till Death fue como ver una pelicula de terror de las de antes : interesante, entretenida, con escenas llenas de suspense y con un poco de romance, el justo para convertir la historia en una muy memorable.
No le pongo las cinco estrellas porque en algunas ocasiones me parecio un poco predecible pero si eres fan de las peliculas o cuentos de terror o crimen,es una buena opcion.
Si algo me queda cada vez mas claro, es que la autora es muy buena en lo que hace, escribe todo tipo de tematica y siempre consigue atraparme, sin importar cual sea.
4 Estrellas!!
November 28, 2022
✩ 3.5/4 stars
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a super creepy, eerie, & fast paced mystery thriller.
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not the best or super shocking but it was entertaining and kept me engaged, i had so many questions & theories so it was fun in that regard!
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the romance was sweet & shasa’s character growth was enjoyable to see
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a super creepy, eerie, & fast paced mystery thriller.
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not the best or super shocking but it was entertaining and kept me engaged, i had so many questions & theories so it was fun in that regard!
~
the romance was sweet & shasa’s character growth was enjoyable to see
March 2, 2017
4.5 Thrilling STARS
JLA has done it again! Another book I couldn´t put down and that I completely adored.
I think everyone has that author they love with their whole heart and is a go-to because their books are amazing. I recently added Leigh Bardugo to my list, but for the longest time Jennifer Armentrout has been my #1, and she totally showed why again with this book. One thing I love about her, is that she slays at suspense/thriler books. If her book are usually amazing and addictive, the ones that are more mystery are just A+.
Sasha Keeton is a 29 years old that hasn’t stepped back into her hometown in 10 years, after a traumatic event that almost left her as victim #6 of a serial killer best known as The Groom. Now, she has come back, wanting to leave those memories behind and start having the life she wanted back then, taking care of the family inn with her mother.
But coming back isn’t going to be easy because returning to the crime scene brings things from the past, and a series of unnerving events will have Sasha in the eye for a potential tragedy, one that she may not escape a second time.
And above all that, she´ll have to face the guy who had her heart and who she left after she runaway. Cole Landis, FBI agent and the guy she dated in college, will come crashing to her life again and the feelings their both shared will come out full force. Can Sasha have the happy ending she missed the first time around, or the past she escaped 10 years ago will come haunt her and take everything this time around?
Sasha’s character was so great. She was haunted by the memories that being back brought to her and it was totally understandable. As we get information of what ocurred the first time, we get to see how much this has affected her and how she has been existing in the past 10 years, but not fully living. She didn´t just leave behind family and friends, but her dream of taking care of the family business and the guy she may have loved. She was a tough cookie though and was always looking up for everyone else.
Cole is so book boyfriend material. Not only he has no doubts about his feelings and where he wants to be respect his relationship with Sasha, but he was fiercely protective and caring about her. He had the signature charm all JLA´s male characters have: protective, sassy and the undeniable hot title. I love Sasha and Cole together, they were truly meant for each other. Althought some actions seemed to happen rather fast for the time this take place, I can look pass that because their chemistry and feelings were so real I just wanted them to be together.
This was an unputdownable book. It was captivating since page one, and kept me on the edge for the whole ride. I did guess some things of the plot, like the real killer, but so many things were happening that I never was completely sure about it and the suspense was always present. The mystery thriller element was great, Jennifer just knows how to keep you on edge the whole time. I can´t say anything else because this book would lose the magic, so you just have to go and read it.
This second chance romance thriller had it all, great plot, interesting characters, a couple with amazing chemistry and suspense; go read this one soon, I´m sure you won´t regret it.
This time it was going to end like it always should. She was going to die, but first, she would pay. Pay for everything.
JLA has done it again! Another book I couldn´t put down and that I completely adored.
I think everyone has that author they love with their whole heart and is a go-to because their books are amazing. I recently added Leigh Bardugo to my list, but for the longest time Jennifer Armentrout has been my #1, and she totally showed why again with this book. One thing I love about her, is that she slays at suspense/thriler books. If her book are usually amazing and addictive, the ones that are more mystery are just A+.
Sasha Keeton is a 29 years old that hasn’t stepped back into her hometown in 10 years, after a traumatic event that almost left her as victim #6 of a serial killer best known as The Groom. Now, she has come back, wanting to leave those memories behind and start having the life she wanted back then, taking care of the family inn with her mother.
But coming back isn’t going to be easy because returning to the crime scene brings things from the past, and a series of unnerving events will have Sasha in the eye for a potential tragedy, one that she may not escape a second time.
And above all that, she´ll have to face the guy who had her heart and who she left after she runaway. Cole Landis, FBI agent and the guy she dated in college, will come crashing to her life again and the feelings their both shared will come out full force. Can Sasha have the happy ending she missed the first time around, or the past she escaped 10 years ago will come haunt her and take everything this time around?
Sasha’s character was so great. She was haunted by the memories that being back brought to her and it was totally understandable. As we get information of what ocurred the first time, we get to see how much this has affected her and how she has been existing in the past 10 years, but not fully living. She didn´t just leave behind family and friends, but her dream of taking care of the family business and the guy she may have loved. She was a tough cookie though and was always looking up for everyone else.
Being with Cole had made me feel like I was on the edge of a cliff, more than willing to fall off. I´d never felt anything like that again. Not even a smidgen.
He terrified me.
Because he symbolized everything I should´ve had but didn´t.
Cole is so book boyfriend material. Not only he has no doubts about his feelings and where he wants to be respect his relationship with Sasha, but he was fiercely protective and caring about her. He had the signature charm all JLA´s male characters have: protective, sassy and the undeniable hot title. I love Sasha and Cole together, they were truly meant for each other. Althought some actions seemed to happen rather fast for the time this take place, I can look pass that because their chemistry and feelings were so real I just wanted them to be together.
"I´m of the mind that anything wortha damn in like, anything fun and joyous, will always be complicated," she said. "If it´s easy, it´s probably not exactly worth it."
This was an unputdownable book. It was captivating since page one, and kept me on the edge for the whole ride. I did guess some things of the plot, like the real killer, but so many things were happening that I never was completely sure about it and the suspense was always present. The mystery thriller element was great, Jennifer just knows how to keep you on edge the whole time. I can´t say anything else because this book would lose the magic, so you just have to go and read it.
This second chance romance thriller had it all, great plot, interesting characters, a couple with amazing chemistry and suspense; go read this one soon, I´m sure you won´t regret it.
July 6, 2018
*4.75 THRILLING STARS*
“I'm of the mind anything worth a damn in life, anything fun and joyous, will always be complicated. If it's easy, it's probably not exactly worth it.”
Despite the fact that I guessed correctly who the killer was pretty much right from the start, this was still super thrilling and I enjoyed this soooo much!
Jennifer L. Armentrout should write romantic thrillers way more often!
“I'm of the mind anything worth a damn in life, anything fun and joyous, will always be complicated. If it's easy, it's probably not exactly worth it.”
Despite the fact that I guessed correctly who the killer was pretty much right from the start, this was still super thrilling and I enjoyed this soooo much!
Jennifer L. Armentrout should write romantic thrillers way more often!
October 1, 2017
Ich kann gar nicht beschreiben, wie erleichtert ich bin, dass mir das Buch so gut gefallen hat.
Von Anfang an hatte ich Angst, dass ich weiß, wer der Täter ist. Ich hatte ständig eine Vermutung, die sich aber zum Glück nicht bestätigt hat.
Dieses Buch war großartig! Die richtige Mischung aus Spannung und Sexy-Time.
Sasha und Cole sind mir wirklich sehr ans Herz gewachsen und ich habe immer mit den Beiden mitgefiebert!
Auf jeden Fall konnte ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen.
Gegen Ende ist es richtig spannend geworden und die Seiten flogen nur so dahin.
Ab und zu habe ich sogar eine leichte Gänsehaut am Körper gehabt, wenn ich mir die Dinge bildlich vorgestellt habe, die in der Handlung so passieren.
Alles in allem ein sehr gutes, spannendes Buch von der lieben Frau Armentrout :)
Ich kann es definitiv weiterempfehlen!
4/5 Sterne bekommt es von mir.
Von Anfang an hatte ich Angst, dass ich weiß, wer der Täter ist. Ich hatte ständig eine Vermutung, die sich aber zum Glück nicht bestätigt hat.
Dieses Buch war großartig! Die richtige Mischung aus Spannung und Sexy-Time.
Sasha und Cole sind mir wirklich sehr ans Herz gewachsen und ich habe immer mit den Beiden mitgefiebert!
Auf jeden Fall konnte ich das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen.
Gegen Ende ist es richtig spannend geworden und die Seiten flogen nur so dahin.
Ab und zu habe ich sogar eine leichte Gänsehaut am Körper gehabt, wenn ich mir die Dinge bildlich vorgestellt habe, die in der Handlung so passieren.
Alles in allem ein sehr gutes, spannendes Buch von der lieben Frau Armentrout :)
Ich kann es definitiv weiterempfehlen!
4/5 Sterne bekommt es von mir.
March 22, 2017
4.5/5 stars
Till Death is a standalone adult contemporary novel. I would describe the genre as romantic suspense. This is a different type of book for this author. However, even though the book is predominantly suspense/mystery there is still a ton of JLA romance. So I think that readers who love her contemporary romance books will enjoy Till Death.
The narrator is 29 year old Sasha Keeton. The book is told in first person POV. Her mom owns an Inn in West Virginia. Sasha has been gone for 10 years, ever since something traumatic happened to her. Now she is back to help her mom.
I love Jennifer Armentrout and have enjoyed many of her books. I love suspense/mysteries. So I was very excited to see her branch out into this genre.
I enjoyed this book very much. However, it took me a bit to get into the story. But once I did I really enjoyed this book so much.
This book was creepy and fantastic. The mystery was interesting and I was engrossed in the story.
I really liked Sasha's mom. And her best friend Miranda. And I loved FBI agent Cole, who Sasha knew and liked when she was 19.
I read a lot of suspense and psychological thrillers. Sometimes they have a bit of romance. But never like Till Death. This book was 50% suspense and 50% romance. It was definitely surprising to see so much romance woven into this suspenseful story.
In addition to Sasha's POV we also get some of the killer's POV, plus a recount (a bit at a time) of what happened to Sasha 10 years before.
Overall, this book was a fascinating combination of romance and suspense. The characters were great. Even though I had a hunch who the killer was (and I guessed correctly) this was still a very well done and well thought out mystery. I think fans of suspense will be happy. But I also think that fans of the romance genre will not be disappointed.
Till Death is a standalone adult contemporary novel. I would describe the genre as romantic suspense. This is a different type of book for this author. However, even though the book is predominantly suspense/mystery there is still a ton of JLA romance. So I think that readers who love her contemporary romance books will enjoy Till Death.
The narrator is 29 year old Sasha Keeton. The book is told in first person POV. Her mom owns an Inn in West Virginia. Sasha has been gone for 10 years, ever since something traumatic happened to her. Now she is back to help her mom.
I love Jennifer Armentrout and have enjoyed many of her books. I love suspense/mysteries. So I was very excited to see her branch out into this genre.
I enjoyed this book very much. However, it took me a bit to get into the story. But once I did I really enjoyed this book so much.
This book was creepy and fantastic. The mystery was interesting and I was engrossed in the story.
I really liked Sasha's mom. And her best friend Miranda. And I loved FBI agent Cole, who Sasha knew and liked when she was 19.
I read a lot of suspense and psychological thrillers. Sometimes they have a bit of romance. But never like Till Death. This book was 50% suspense and 50% romance. It was definitely surprising to see so much romance woven into this suspenseful story.
In addition to Sasha's POV we also get some of the killer's POV, plus a recount (a bit at a time) of what happened to Sasha 10 years before.
Overall, this book was a fascinating combination of romance and suspense. The characters were great. Even though I had a hunch who the killer was (and I guessed correctly) this was still a very well done and well thought out mystery. I think fans of suspense will be happy. But I also think that fans of the romance genre will not be disappointed.
February 7, 2017
4 dark, suspenseful and romantic stars
This is such a great read! Yes, it’s a dark and suspenseful mystery/thriller, but it’s also an absolutely gorgeous second-chance-romance, and the two aspects of the story blend together perfectly. It’s very different from JLA’s usual books but I think she did a fantastic job with this one, creating an intense mood and a gripping story with a heartfelt love story that kept the hopeless romantic in me satisfied, and I loved it!
Sasha Keeton has returned to her home town after ten years away, and having had little contact with anybody except her mother and her best friend. She fled are escaping a nightmare – the sole survivor of the serial killer known as ‘The Groom’ - but while she may have survived, she has been left understandably shattered by all that she endured, and she has returned home to finally try and live her life, rather than just existing in it.
So she moves in to her family’s Inn, to the property loves and once dreamed of running. And as she tries to pick up her life again, another huge part of it comes walking through her door – Cole Landis, the boy she was dating when she was taken, and who she left without a word after her rescue. She hasn’t forgotten him, and he certainly hasn’t forgotten her, and for all of his friendliness, gentleness and understanding, he’s a man who knows what he wants, and what he wants is Sasha.
This was such a beautiful love story! Cole is now an FBI agent, and he has been living with the heartwrenching guilt he feels over not being able to protect Sasha in the past. So when a new threat emerges he is determined to be there for the woman he loves, and his need to be there for Sasha, and his protectiveness over her, was absolutely gorgeous. But beneath all of that is their connection that was established ten years ago, and the feelings they had for each other which never went away, and are now back and more intense than ever.
And Sasha blew my mind! The book is written entirely from her POV and the fact that she wasn’t a dribbling mess after all that she endured was amazing, but it was the strength she showed in carrying on and reclaiming her life, all the while dealing with the new terrors, that made me love her. I especially loved how she handled her relationship with Cole, and the confidence she had with him. Yes, she had been beaten, but she wasn’t broken, and I loved that she was an equal partner in what they were starting to build together.
But damn this book is creepy!! The serial killer aspect is really cleverly done via Sasha’s memories, through what is happening in the present and through glimpses into the mind of the new danger that is wreaking havoc on Sasha’s attempt at a fresh start. It’s frightening and nail-biting, but it creates just the right mood for this sort of read, and I easily lost myself in the mystery of 'whodunnit', and the heart-pounding tension that is balanced perfectly with the swoony romance.
Like all JLA books, there is a wonderful ‘realness’ to her characters and despite the seriousness of the story, there are lots of light and funny moments that help you to relate and fall in love with them. There is a great group of side characters, and I’m crossing my fingers that there will be a spin off book to continue on with a hinted-at storyline that I would love to see more of.
I really enjoyed this book. Scary, intriguing, thrilling and romantic, it kept me captivated from start to finish and proves again why Jennifer Armentrout is an auto-buy author for me – no matter what she writes!
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a great read! Yes, it’s a dark and suspenseful mystery/thriller, but it’s also an absolutely gorgeous second-chance-romance, and the two aspects of the story blend together perfectly. It’s very different from JLA’s usual books but I think she did a fantastic job with this one, creating an intense mood and a gripping story with a heartfelt love story that kept the hopeless romantic in me satisfied, and I loved it!
Sasha Keeton has returned to her home town after ten years away, and having had little contact with anybody except her mother and her best friend. She fled are escaping a nightmare – the sole survivor of the serial killer known as ‘The Groom’ - but while she may have survived, she has been left understandably shattered by all that she endured, and she has returned home to finally try and live her life, rather than just existing in it.
There were two types of death. Actual death, where the body and soul and everything was gone. Then there was the second kind of death – where the soul was stripped away, but the body continued on, going day to day, just existing in a shell of what once was.
So she moves in to her family’s Inn, to the property loves and once dreamed of running. And as she tries to pick up her life again, another huge part of it comes walking through her door – Cole Landis, the boy she was dating when she was taken, and who she left without a word after her rescue. She hasn’t forgotten him, and he certainly hasn’t forgotten her, and for all of his friendliness, gentleness and understanding, he’s a man who knows what he wants, and what he wants is Sasha.
“I’m not some random guy you just met. I’m not someone who doesn’t know that what’s at the core of you is worth working at, breaking through those walls for.”
Oh my God.
“People don’t get second chances often, Sasha, but we got one, and I’m not going to let that pass us by.”
This was such a beautiful love story! Cole is now an FBI agent, and he has been living with the heartwrenching guilt he feels over not being able to protect Sasha in the past. So when a new threat emerges he is determined to be there for the woman he loves, and his need to be there for Sasha, and his protectiveness over her, was absolutely gorgeous. But beneath all of that is their connection that was established ten years ago, and the feelings they had for each other which never went away, and are now back and more intense than ever.
“For a while I thought you were the one who got away. That one day I would somehow piece it all back together, but I was wrong. You were the one.”
I might’ve stopped breaking.
He curled the tips of his fingers around my chin. “You are the one.”
And Sasha blew my mind! The book is written entirely from her POV and the fact that she wasn’t a dribbling mess after all that she endured was amazing, but it was the strength she showed in carrying on and reclaiming her life, all the while dealing with the new terrors, that made me love her. I especially loved how she handled her relationship with Cole, and the confidence she had with him. Yes, she had been beaten, but she wasn’t broken, and I loved that she was an equal partner in what they were starting to build together.
“I know what I want.” I settled back and met his gaze. “I know what I’m feeling …” My chest rose sharply. “I want you.”
He lifted my hands back to his chest. “You have me, babe.”
“Prove it.”
But damn this book is creepy!! The serial killer aspect is really cleverly done via Sasha’s memories, through what is happening in the present and through glimpses into the mind of the new danger that is wreaking havoc on Sasha’s attempt at a fresh start. It’s frightening and nail-biting, but it creates just the right mood for this sort of read, and I easily lost myself in the mystery of 'whodunnit', and the heart-pounding tension that is balanced perfectly with the swoony romance.
Like all JLA books, there is a wonderful ‘realness’ to her characters and despite the seriousness of the story, there are lots of light and funny moments that help you to relate and fall in love with them. There is a great group of side characters, and I’m crossing my fingers that there will be a spin off book to continue on with a hinted-at storyline that I would love to see more of.
I really enjoyed this book. Scary, intriguing, thrilling and romantic, it kept me captivated from start to finish and proves again why Jennifer Armentrout is an auto-buy author for me – no matter what she writes!
4 stars.
An Advanced Review Copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2017
Very, VERY, different from the YA novels this author writes. I liked the main character but not the decisions she made. The plot was gruesome at times and it made me skip some pages with vivid descriptions . I guessed who the bad guy was at the beginning of the book and also the way it was going to finish long before it happened. I wouldn't recommend this book to fans of the Lux series , but murder novel fans may enjoy it.
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