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Come And Get Me
“...a harrowing journey into the depths of obsession, desperation, and the destructive power of unrequited love.” –Gayle Brown, author of A Deadly Game
When Vanessa kidnaps her ex-lover’s newborn baby, some might call her evil. Those who know her story might call her justified.
Vanessa thought she found her soulmate in August. Mind-bending sex. Soul-baring conversations. Safety and acceptance and being seen. Perhaps too perfect? Yes. August is married to his college sweetheart, Cassidy. When Vanessa gets pregnant, August manipulates Vanessa into getting an abortion with promises of a future together, but dumps her soon after. Vanessa plots her revenge, kidnapping August’s baby, Daisy, from her nursery.
Each member of this haunting love triangle tells their story as a nationwide search for Daisy ensues. August’s secret affairs play a pivotal role in the police investigation, Cassidy learns her marriage is a sham, and Vanessa struggles to keep Daisy alive.
Come And Get Me is a forty-eight hour pulse- pounding domestic thriller that explores issues of truth and consequence and how one decision can have an unforeseeable rippling effect on countless lives.
When Vanessa kidnaps her ex-lover’s newborn baby, some might call her evil. Those who know her story might call her justified.
Vanessa thought she found her soulmate in August. Mind-bending sex. Soul-baring conversations. Safety and acceptance and being seen. Perhaps too perfect? Yes. August is married to his college sweetheart, Cassidy. When Vanessa gets pregnant, August manipulates Vanessa into getting an abortion with promises of a future together, but dumps her soon after. Vanessa plots her revenge, kidnapping August’s baby, Daisy, from her nursery.
Each member of this haunting love triangle tells their story as a nationwide search for Daisy ensues. August’s secret affairs play a pivotal role in the police investigation, Cassidy learns her marriage is a sham, and Vanessa struggles to keep Daisy alive.
Come And Get Me is a forty-eight hour pulse- pounding domestic thriller that explores issues of truth and consequence and how one decision can have an unforeseeable rippling effect on countless lives.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2024
About the author
Marisa Rae Dondlinger
12 books26 followersMarisa Dondlinger lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two young daughters. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Law School, Marisa practiced law for several years before devoting herself to writing fiction. She’s the author of three books, Scenes From a Bar, Open, and Gray Lines. When not writing, she enjoys reading, going for walks, and watching her daughters play sports.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 30, 2024
Absolutely could not put it down
October 29, 2024
4.5? 4.75? Kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time but I didn’t love the ending. Also first time I’ve ever read a protagonist I simply can’t stand for the entire book.
July 30, 2024
“Don’t judge a book by its cover” except book club picked this book based on the cover (wild times I was scared!!!) for not ever reading the back before picking this up, I’m happy! This could have been terrible! But I pretty much read the whole thing in one sitting & it was enjoyable (ending…meh) (may be a 3.5 idk)
April 25, 2024
Come and Get Me is a gripping domestic thriller that explores the dark and twisted mind of a woman consumed by revenge. The novel takes readers on a harrowing journey into the depths of obsession, desperation, and the destructive power of unrequited love.
At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Vanessa, a woman who becomes unhinged after discovering her lover's secret marriage. Fueled by anger, betrayal, and a deep sense of injustice, she takes matters into her own hands and kidnaps August’s innocent baby, Daisy. As Vanessa’s mental state deteriorates, the once seemingly justified act of revenge transforms into a haunting nightmare as she struggles to care for Daisy properly, even though she thinks she’s a better mother than Daisy’s biological mother, Cassidy.
Marisa Rae Dondlinger skillfully delves into the psyche of a troubled protagonist, giving readers a chilling glimpse into the unraveling mind of a woman driven to the brink of madness. The internal struggle Vanessa faces, torn between her longing for a child and her desire for vengeance, creates a compelling conflict that keeps the reader engaged throughout the narrative.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the exploration of the moral complexities surrounding Vanessa’s actions. As readers witness her botched attempts at caring for the baby, a disturbing blend of sympathy and repulsion emerges. The author fearlessly confronts the consequences of misguided actions, reminding us of the potential for darkness within all of us.
Readers may find themselves frustrated by Vanessa’s increasingly erratic behavior, but somehow, rooting for her at the same time. The fast pace, from page one, keeps the story engaging and evocative. The suspense and tension are expertly crafted, building a palpable sense of unease and making it difficult to put the book down.
Come and Get Me is not a novel for the faint of heart. It explores the darkest corners of the human mind, offering a chilling portrayal of obsession and revenge––it is an undeniably gripping psychological thriller that will leave readers questioning the boundaries of sanity and the lengths some will go to seek retribution. For fans of twisted narratives and complex characters, Come and Get Me is a worthwhile read. Just be prepared to embark on a journey into the disturbed mind of a woman driven to the edge.
~Gayle Brown, author of A DEADLY GAME
At the heart of the story is the protagonist, Vanessa, a woman who becomes unhinged after discovering her lover's secret marriage. Fueled by anger, betrayal, and a deep sense of injustice, she takes matters into her own hands and kidnaps August’s innocent baby, Daisy. As Vanessa’s mental state deteriorates, the once seemingly justified act of revenge transforms into a haunting nightmare as she struggles to care for Daisy properly, even though she thinks she’s a better mother than Daisy’s biological mother, Cassidy.
Marisa Rae Dondlinger skillfully delves into the psyche of a troubled protagonist, giving readers a chilling glimpse into the unraveling mind of a woman driven to the brink of madness. The internal struggle Vanessa faces, torn between her longing for a child and her desire for vengeance, creates a compelling conflict that keeps the reader engaged throughout the narrative.
One of the strongest aspects of this novel is the exploration of the moral complexities surrounding Vanessa’s actions. As readers witness her botched attempts at caring for the baby, a disturbing blend of sympathy and repulsion emerges. The author fearlessly confronts the consequences of misguided actions, reminding us of the potential for darkness within all of us.
Readers may find themselves frustrated by Vanessa’s increasingly erratic behavior, but somehow, rooting for her at the same time. The fast pace, from page one, keeps the story engaging and evocative. The suspense and tension are expertly crafted, building a palpable sense of unease and making it difficult to put the book down.
Come and Get Me is not a novel for the faint of heart. It explores the darkest corners of the human mind, offering a chilling portrayal of obsession and revenge––it is an undeniably gripping psychological thriller that will leave readers questioning the boundaries of sanity and the lengths some will go to seek retribution. For fans of twisted narratives and complex characters, Come and Get Me is a worthwhile read. Just be prepared to embark on a journey into the disturbed mind of a woman driven to the edge.
~Gayle Brown, author of A DEADLY GAME
June 18, 2024
disappointing ending
Really enjoyed this all the way through. It kept you in the edge of your seat without the guessing who is it because the pov is all affected but I was hoping for more at the end
Really enjoyed this all the way through. It kept you in the edge of your seat without the guessing who is it because the pov is all affected but I was hoping for more at the end
May 22, 2024
Rarely do I say, "I couldn't put this book down," but . . . I couldn't put this book down!
This novel unfolds at a heart-pumping pace, providing a whip-lash of emotions in readers. Told from three points of view, "Come And Get Me" pulled me in and held me captive--appropriate for a story centered around a kidnapping.
Dondlinger displays skilled storytelling by developing flawed characters whom readers can simultaneously sympathize with and be furious at. Through authentic dialogue and beautifully descriptive inner thoughts, Cassidy, August, and Vanessa become neighbors down the street, people we can relate to. Maybe we've even experienced a bit of their respective anxieties and insecurities? But would we cross those same unethical--if not illegal--lines? The author encourages us to consider under what circumstances might we do the same.
Don't hesitate to purchase this book. If you're looking for an emotional page-turner, you've found it here.
This novel unfolds at a heart-pumping pace, providing a whip-lash of emotions in readers. Told from three points of view, "Come And Get Me" pulled me in and held me captive--appropriate for a story centered around a kidnapping.
Dondlinger displays skilled storytelling by developing flawed characters whom readers can simultaneously sympathize with and be furious at. Through authentic dialogue and beautifully descriptive inner thoughts, Cassidy, August, and Vanessa become neighbors down the street, people we can relate to. Maybe we've even experienced a bit of their respective anxieties and insecurities? But would we cross those same unethical--if not illegal--lines? The author encourages us to consider under what circumstances might we do the same.
Don't hesitate to purchase this book. If you're looking for an emotional page-turner, you've found it here.
April 1, 2024
I absolutely loved this book about revenge, relationships and misguided love. The suspenseful plot about a jilted woman stealing her lover’s baby is binge-worthy—I read it in two days. We know from the start who the abductor is, so the fact that the book is still a page-turner is testament to the author’s skill. The plot alone gripped me, as an infant’s life hangs in the balance, in a race against time. But where the book really shines is the characters. Vanessa (the lover), Cassidy (the wife) and August (the husband and adulterer) are complex and real, never devolving into stereotypes. Their inner monologues as they grapple with the abduction, secrets unveiled, the joys and frustrations of parenting, mental health conditions, and the realization that things—and people—are not what they seem, ring true and insightful. In fact, they’ll leave you wondering who the true monster is.
April 4, 2024
My thanks to LibraryThing and theauthor for my e-ARC.
No matter how many precautions are in place, It only takes one slip-up for a parent’s worst nightmare to become a reality.
Overwhelmed and exhausted, Cassie conked out in her study while newborn Daisy was napping upstairs. She was also mom to 5 year-old Piper and maintained a blog/podcast. It was a LOT. Cassie followed a strict schedule to keep things running smoothly.
Until things went off-track. Her routine is predictable and therein lies its weakness. August’s scorned ex, Vanessa was just waiting, watching, and preparing for the moment to set her plan in motion.
But things don’t go according to plan…for anyone.
This was an engrossing read. The multiple perspectives fleshed out the characters of Cassie, August, and Vanessa. I was, initially, ambivalent about the end. But, after giving it some thought, it was true to life.
No matter how many precautions are in place, It only takes one slip-up for a parent’s worst nightmare to become a reality.
Overwhelmed and exhausted, Cassie conked out in her study while newborn Daisy was napping upstairs. She was also mom to 5 year-old Piper and maintained a blog/podcast. It was a LOT. Cassie followed a strict schedule to keep things running smoothly.
Until things went off-track. Her routine is predictable and therein lies its weakness. August’s scorned ex, Vanessa was just waiting, watching, and preparing for the moment to set her plan in motion.
But things don’t go according to plan…for anyone.
This was an engrossing read. The multiple perspectives fleshed out the characters of Cassie, August, and Vanessa. I was, initially, ambivalent about the end. But, after giving it some thought, it was true to life.
March 6, 2024
Don’t miss Come and Get Me, a new thriller from Marisa Dondlinger. August and Cassidy’s world comes crashing down when their infant, Daisy, is taken from their home. As they work with the police to uncover clues and a motive, they must unveil secrets that threaten their relationship.
Dondlinger tells the story from multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to experience Daisy’s disappearance through the eyes of her mother, father, and kidnapper. The detailed description of the emotions, motivations, and flaws of all three main characters add a rich complexity to the novel, taking the reader deep into a web of internal and external conflicts. The crisp writing and fast pace result in a tense, suspense-filled thriller that will keep you wondering what will happen next.
Dondlinger tells the story from multiple perspectives, allowing the reader to experience Daisy’s disappearance through the eyes of her mother, father, and kidnapper. The detailed description of the emotions, motivations, and flaws of all three main characters add a rich complexity to the novel, taking the reader deep into a web of internal and external conflicts. The crisp writing and fast pace result in a tense, suspense-filled thriller that will keep you wondering what will happen next.
May 5, 2024
Come and Get Me
Marisa Rae Dondlinger
Gut-Punch of a Thrill Ride
Come and Get Me grabs you on the first page and never lets go. This tightly written thriller carries an emotional punch with every turn of a page. You’ll experience the agony of a new mother whose baby has been abducted by the jealous ex-lover of her philandering husband, as well as the crazed delusions of the young ex. The point of view flip flops from the mother to the lover, a painful third person perspective of what the mother and her family experience, and a first-person journal-like screed from the sociopathic ex. Pour yourself a cup of calming tea, find a comfortable chair, and take a disturbing journey you won’t be prepared to have end until the final page.
Bill Schweitzer, author of Doves in a Tempest
Marisa Rae Dondlinger
Gut-Punch of a Thrill Ride
Come and Get Me grabs you on the first page and never lets go. This tightly written thriller carries an emotional punch with every turn of a page. You’ll experience the agony of a new mother whose baby has been abducted by the jealous ex-lover of her philandering husband, as well as the crazed delusions of the young ex. The point of view flip flops from the mother to the lover, a painful third person perspective of what the mother and her family experience, and a first-person journal-like screed from the sociopathic ex. Pour yourself a cup of calming tea, find a comfortable chair, and take a disturbing journey you won’t be prepared to have end until the final page.
Bill Schweitzer, author of Doves in a Tempest
July 12, 2024
Wow! This book is dark, twisted and is written in a way that I literally couldn't stop
Told from three POVs we see relationships rise and fall asleep, desperation, revenge, anger and betrayal affect them all. At what point does injustice justify revenge? Watching Vanessa become more unravelled, I felt a strange sense of sympathy at the same time as wanting her to face the punishment for her actions
This book was written so carefully and cleverly that moral dilemmas almost seem reasonable. But at the same time showing there is darkness and twisted minds within many of us!
Come and get me was suspenseful and thrilling. I had to stay up to reach the end and even now my heart is pounding!
Told from three POVs we see relationships rise and fall asleep, desperation, revenge, anger and betrayal affect them all. At what point does injustice justify revenge? Watching Vanessa become more unravelled, I felt a strange sense of sympathy at the same time as wanting her to face the punishment for her actions
This book was written so carefully and cleverly that moral dilemmas almost seem reasonable. But at the same time showing there is darkness and twisted minds within many of us!
Come and get me was suspenseful and thrilling. I had to stay up to reach the end and even now my heart is pounding!
April 25, 2024
I thoroughly enjoy a well-written, tightly-wound domestic thriller and 'Come and Get Me' by new-to-me author Marisa Rae Dondlinger delivers. Actions have consequences; something that cheating husband August discovers when his ex-lover Vanessa kidnaps his newborn baby Daisy. August's wife Cassidy is overworked and over-tired and doesn't discover her baby is missing until Vanessa is long gone.
As the parents and the police scramble to find the kidnapped Daisy, we learn more about Vanessa and her motivation to destroy her ex's family. The plot will keep you turning pages to the end. Highly recommended!!
As the parents and the police scramble to find the kidnapped Daisy, we learn more about Vanessa and her motivation to destroy her ex's family. The plot will keep you turning pages to the end. Highly recommended!!
February 24, 2024
When exhausted mom and parenting podcaster Cassidy discovers her infant daughter missing, her entire universe tilts. How could anything be worse?
Maria Rae Dondlinger answers that question in Come and Get Me, a domestic psychological thriller guaranteed to make readers miss meals and lose sleep as they barrel toward a stunning conclusion. Not just a thriller, Dondlinger's novel deftly explores themes of motherhood, reproductive rights, loyalty, and forgiveness.
This is a must-read book and an author to watch!
Maria Rae Dondlinger answers that question in Come and Get Me, a domestic psychological thriller guaranteed to make readers miss meals and lose sleep as they barrel toward a stunning conclusion. Not just a thriller, Dondlinger's novel deftly explores themes of motherhood, reproductive rights, loyalty, and forgiveness.
This is a must-read book and an author to watch!
March 14, 2024
Come and Get Me is a twisty psychological thriller that recognizes that people are complicated. I loved that Dondlinger created three-dimensional characters who weren’t all one thing or another, just like real humans.
I don’t want to give spoilers, but I’ll just say that don’t write off (or on) characters too quickly or easily. My sympathies bounced all over the place, which is a hard trick to pull off. Everyone has a reason for what they do, and the slow reveal is the delicious pleasure of this book.
I don’t want to give spoilers, but I’ll just say that don’t write off (or on) characters too quickly or easily. My sympathies bounced all over the place, which is a hard trick to pull off. Everyone has a reason for what they do, and the slow reveal is the delicious pleasure of this book.
April 26, 2024
Wow! This suspense novel had me hooked from the very first page. The worlds of a naïve spouse, a serial philanderer and a broken ex all collide with the fate of one baby at its core. This is a slight mash up of Fatal Attraction meets The Hand the Rocks the Cradle with a little police procedural thrown in for good measure. When a book can make you feel compassion, fear, and fury for most of the characters all at once, the author has done a brilliant job. For a thrilling read, I highly recommend Dondlinger’s latest Come and Get Me. Five Stars just doesn’t seem enough!
July 18, 2024
This is fast moving book that caught me right away. A young woman who is "discarded" by a cheating husband (with a wife and kids) seeks revenge on him by kidnapping his newborn child - payment for the child and family she lost when she lost him. The story flips back and forth between her, the cheating husband and the wife, and it keeps you hooked as you're carried along through the telling by dipping back into the past and why the young woman is so vengeful - to the cheating husband who can't seem to figure out he did anything wrong ... ladies, you are not going to like this man!
November 2, 2025
Come and Get Me by Marisa Rae Dondlinger shot to the top of my list at a local author event, and after meeting the author and getting my book signed, I tore through it in a week. The story follows a woman who kidnaps her ex-boyfriend’s baby as revenge — a situation that should make you hate her, yet somehow you end up rooting for her anyway. I felt terrible for the baby’s mother, furious at the ex (who absolutely earns the title of villain), and totally wrapped up in the messy, moral gray area of it all. Fast, emotional, and impossible to look away from — definitely worth the read.
March 7, 2024
Have you ever finished a book and spent the day in a daze from the ride? Come And Get Me's characters are so real, they are still living in my head long after I've finished. The story is sharp, witty, funny, and beautifully tragic. I saw myself in all three of the main characters, traits both good and bad. This story will warm you up and chill you to the bone. The author's masterful wordsmithing will grip your heart and not let go until the final line.
May 18, 2024
The love triangle in this story – consisting of an unfaithful husband, his betrayed wife, and his jilted lover-turned-kidnapper – was for me the most compelling aspect of the book. The twists and turns often left me wondering: who is the real victim, and who is to blame? This page turner will appeal to fans of taut, vengeance-driven thrillers with cliff-hanger scene endings and fast-paced, nonstop action.
June 19, 2024
Hoping for a follow up book
Lately some of my chosen books have left me bored halfway through or confused by trying to keep track of the incredible number of characters and their relationships to one another. This book was very well written, kept my attention, and was easy to follow. I was never bored and found myself hoping there would be a follow up book so I would know how all the characters' lives progressed.
Lately some of my chosen books have left me bored halfway through or confused by trying to keep track of the incredible number of characters and their relationships to one another. This book was very well written, kept my attention, and was easy to follow. I was never bored and found myself hoping there would be a follow up book so I would know how all the characters' lives progressed.
July 18, 2024
A man who is a serial cheater gets the wrong girl pregnant. Forced into an abortion she retaliates by abducting his baby he had with his wife. His wife is unaware of his stepping out so she looses her child and husband in one fail swoop. After the first couple chapters I was gonna say “DNF” but read some reviews who said it was great and “couldn’t put it down” comments. So I gave it another chance. Didn’t love it but it was entertaining enough.
August 26, 2024
Marisa Rae Dondlinger’s “Come and Get Me” is a gripping, fast-paced story of love and betrayal. Dondlinger expertly weaves together a story with three different main characters that will remind readers that one mistake could cost everything we hold dear. This page turner will keep you up at night waiting for an ending this reader never saw coming. Highly recommended! ~Barbara A. Luker, author of I Carry Your Heart and The Right One
April 18, 2024
The book is amazing. It has you enthralled from the first chapter to the end. There are times when you feel like you can’t read anymore because you are concerned about what will happen but then you have to read on to find out what happens. The writing was excellent and very vivid. Highly recommend this book
June 21, 2024
Punishment
He cheats, lies, only thinks of himself and his needs. What could go wrong? Well, the woman he was cheating with decides to kidnap his baby. His house of glass comes crashing down. In order to find the baby he must tell the police the names of all the women he cheated with. His wife was beyond angry.
He cheats, lies, only thinks of himself and his needs. What could go wrong? Well, the woman he was cheating with decides to kidnap his baby. His house of glass comes crashing down. In order to find the baby he must tell the police the names of all the women he cheated with. His wife was beyond angry.
January 18, 2025
Heart pounding thriller told from three points of view. When baby Daisy is kidnapped by her father's former mistress, everything changes in an instant.
I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters and ripped through the book in less than 2 days. I don't want to give away too much, but you will be on the edge of your seat.
I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters and ripped through the book in less than 2 days. I don't want to give away too much, but you will be on the edge of your seat.
April 17, 2025
Plot 4/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 2/5
The book keeps you on the edge of your seat. We have Vanessa (kidnapper), August (serial cheater/husband/father), and Cassidy (Exhausted mom of two, wife). Watching all the characters play out the array of emotions during the abduction . I was invested. But Hated the ending.
Characters 4/5
Ending 2/5
The book keeps you on the edge of your seat. We have Vanessa (kidnapper), August (serial cheater/husband/father), and Cassidy (Exhausted mom of two, wife). Watching all the characters play out the array of emotions during the abduction . I was invested. But Hated the ending.
October 3, 2025
Holy Cow Good
Epic good suspense. Real characters who could live next door or be your spouse. Very flawed, but relatable, even the villain, characters, living real lives. Real situations and the children also become characters, not props.
I can’t say more for fear of spoilers…so get this NOW, clear some hours and read it immediately.
Would be a great movie, as well.
Epic good suspense. Real characters who could live next door or be your spouse. Very flawed, but relatable, even the villain, characters, living real lives. Real situations and the children also become characters, not props.
I can’t say more for fear of spoilers…so get this NOW, clear some hours and read it immediately.
Would be a great movie, as well.
February 23, 2024
A womanizing husband, a precious infant daughter, and a young ex-mistress dead set on vengeance–COME AND GET ME is a perfect mix of domestic chaos, juicy intrigue, and compelling suspense. I read it in one sitting!
May 19, 2024
Another great read!
I love the different chapters with the three main characters in their own voices. Marisa tells a great story and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Again l am already looking forward to her next book. I am a fan!!
I love the different chapters with the three main characters in their own voices. Marisa tells a great story and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Again l am already looking forward to her next book. I am a fan!!
June 27, 2024
I enjoyed this book. The author let the reader look into the thinking of the main characters. I thought she did this particularly well with the protagonist, giving not only insight, but also leaving the reader wanting to know more. A nice, easy read, and quite entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews