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Where the Darkness Goes
Tessa Becker has several reasons to never return to her hometown:
She will have to face the man who shattered her heart.
She is terrified to confront her ailing mother’s condition.
That is where the murders happened.
Tessa Becker must return home for one reason and one reason alone:
Someone else is dead and it’s time to finally learn the truth.
Ever since the first murder, Tessa’s once charming and safe hometown has been infected with suspicion and fear. Back then accusations were made in whispers, but without proof, the killer still walks free. And now it’s possible they’ve struck again.
If things weren’t complicated enough, Tessa finds herself forced to stay with the one man she had hoped to avoid. Years ago, Garrett Campbell held her heart until he crushed it. Now, he’s a stranger. He’s also her brother’s best friend.
In an all-too-familiar place filled with secrets and devastating loss—surrounded by people and memories she’d rather forget—Tessa will have to discover the truth about what happened back then, and the threat it poses to the town and the ones she loves most before it’s too late.
She will have to face the man who shattered her heart.
She is terrified to confront her ailing mother’s condition.
That is where the murders happened.
Tessa Becker must return home for one reason and one reason alone:
Someone else is dead and it’s time to finally learn the truth.
Ever since the first murder, Tessa’s once charming and safe hometown has been infected with suspicion and fear. Back then accusations were made in whispers, but without proof, the killer still walks free. And now it’s possible they’ve struck again.
If things weren’t complicated enough, Tessa finds herself forced to stay with the one man she had hoped to avoid. Years ago, Garrett Campbell held her heart until he crushed it. Now, he’s a stranger. He’s also her brother’s best friend.
In an all-too-familiar place filled with secrets and devastating loss—surrounded by people and memories she’d rather forget—Tessa will have to discover the truth about what happened back then, and the threat it poses to the town and the ones she loves most before it’s too late.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 30, 2024
1426 people are currently reading
3374 people want to read
About the author
Kiersten Modglin
57 books14.3k followersKIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.
CONNECT WITH KIERSTEN:
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Kiersten Modglin may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ kierstenmodglinauthor.com/events
CONNECT WITH KIERSTEN:
➜ WEBSITE: kierstenmodglinauthor.com
➜ NEWSLETTER: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/nlsignup
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ KMOD SQUAD: facebook.com/groups/kmodsquad
➜ INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ THREADS: threads.net/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@kierstenmodglinauthor
➜ TEXT ALERTS: kierstenmodglinauthor.com/textalerts
Kiersten Modglin may be coming to a city near you! Check out her “events” tab to see all the signings she’s attending in the near future:
➜ kierstenmodglinauthor.com/events
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 577 reviews
December 17, 2024
I love Kiersten Modglin’s books, but I have to admit I love the thrillers more than the romantic suspense books. So with that feel free to take my thoughts with a grain of salt. I listened to the audiobook and I really liked the narrator. I thought she did a great job bringing the characters to life, especially the main character Tessa. Tessa has to return to her home town for the funeral of her childhood best friend. She hasn’t really been back since she left after high school but it is time to face what she left behind. Her mother in a care home after a stroke, her brother, and the boy she never forgot, Garrett. The book alternates perspectives between Tessa and Garrett and between the past and present. I liked the mystery which spans over the decades although it moved slowly until the very end. Overall this book was fine, but it didn’t grip me and have me reading it in one sitting like most of the author’s books. I gave it 3.5 stars rounded up because there were a couple of twists.
November 18, 2024
Estou cansada de thrillers :/
Read
June 5, 2025I guess this a romance with a hint of mystery, but I may never know because I am calling it quits at the 60% mark. It's irritating me and it's boring me, and I just can't do this anymore. I don't give a cat's bum who killed who or who is going to get killed. Perhaps they'll both get it, and I'll miss out, but I can't be bothered.
I listened on audio and the modern timeline/teen timeline kept throwing me. Now that I've read a little bit further, I'm pretty sure it's because they still think like horny teens in the modern time.
The romance is so cheesy/cliche and not in an entertaining way. Sometimes cheesy is super fun but this one felt lazy.
"She smells sweet like coconut and tastes like heaven.”
"I remember what you like, my good girl."
Maybe all the darkness has moved into my heart but, ffs, I cannot do it for another moment.
Zero chemistry = A snoozefest. And this is where this book and I part ways forevermore.
I borrowed this book from my library. Visit your library (or the Libby app) this week and every week!
I listened on audio and the modern timeline/teen timeline kept throwing me. Now that I've read a little bit further, I'm pretty sure it's because they still think like horny teens in the modern time.
The romance is so cheesy/cliche and not in an entertaining way. Sometimes cheesy is super fun but this one felt lazy.
"She smells sweet like coconut and tastes like heaven.”
"I remember what you like, my good girl."
Maybe all the darkness has moved into my heart but, ffs, I cannot do it for another moment.
Zero chemistry = A snoozefest. And this is where this book and I part ways forevermore.
I borrowed this book from my library. Visit your library (or the Libby app) this week and every week!
December 13, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and author for this audio ARC! I am a Kiersten Modglin fan, but this is the first of her "romantic thrillers" that I have read.
I am not sure the romantic thriller genre is for me. I can't say that I have inherent issues with this book specifically, and I still enjoy Modglin as an author, but for future reads I may pass on romantic thrillers. For me, both the romance and the thriller aspects of the books didn't go *far* enough - meaning neither were developed enough for me to be invested.
It was not bad, but not all that memorable for me. The audiobook was perfectly fine, except for when the female narrator changed her voice to voice the pastor...that part didn't fly for me, and I am not easily bothered when it comes to audiobooks.
This book isn't bad, but not Modglin's best - but it could be the genre type that is a miss for me. Modglin has some far better books out there and I will definitely keep reading her works!
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
I am not sure the romantic thriller genre is for me. I can't say that I have inherent issues with this book specifically, and I still enjoy Modglin as an author, but for future reads I may pass on romantic thrillers. For me, both the romance and the thriller aspects of the books didn't go *far* enough - meaning neither were developed enough for me to be invested.
It was not bad, but not all that memorable for me. The audiobook was perfectly fine, except for when the female narrator changed her voice to voice the pastor...that part didn't fly for me, and I am not easily bothered when it comes to audiobooks.
This book isn't bad, but not Modglin's best - but it could be the genre type that is a miss for me. Modglin has some far better books out there and I will definitely keep reading her works!
2.5 stars rounded up to 3
January 23, 2025
Just because you can write a book every 12 days, doesn’t mean you should. I have read most of Modglin’s catalogue but this one was a real miss. I think I need to stop trying with her. The audio narration, combined with the writing, made this one so incredibly boring. I dnf’d around half way through to save my sanity.
June 5, 2025
I didn't find this a thriller/suspense novel. I felt it was more romance and like dismal amount of suspense. But maybe that's just me, I expected a thriller/suspense novel due to others I've read by this author... so maybe that's why I'm feeling so disappointed after finishing this one.
January 9, 2025
3 Stars
Not my favourite. I found it underwhelming. Not a bad story though
Not my favourite. I found it underwhelming. Not a bad story though
May 23, 2025
Audiobook review
I will start off this review by saying this was the audiobook, and I'm not a fan of audiobooks personally. I prefer having the actual book in my hands. I only got the audio for this as I was going on holiday and wanted something to listen to while exercising.
Anyway! I'm not sure if I would have rated this any higher if I read the physical copy, but I doubt it. This read as more of a high school love drama than an engaging, romantic suspense thriller.
The lead characters (Tessa and Garrett) were boring and one dimensional, and the "mystery" took a back seat to the over the top, cringeworthy romance.
The story was told in alternating POV between Tessa and Garrett, and flicked between present day and past, when they were teenagers.
The present day was Tessa returning to her hometown to attend the funeral of her childhood friend Brittany. The stays at her brother Will's place, who so happens to be living with Garrett, the "one who got away" high school sweetheart. There is mystery surrounding Brittany's death, and the question is does it tie into previous murders that occurred in the small town when they were teenagers.
The story started off interesting enough for me but then turned into a soppy boring high school love drama (I openly cringed at a lot of parts), and the reveals I felt were tacky and not surprising at all.
I don't think I'll be picking up anymore KMOD books anytime soon... the last two I have read of hers haven't been that great and she just brings out way too many books for me to keep up. Onto the next!
I will start off this review by saying this was the audiobook, and I'm not a fan of audiobooks personally. I prefer having the actual book in my hands. I only got the audio for this as I was going on holiday and wanted something to listen to while exercising.
Anyway! I'm not sure if I would have rated this any higher if I read the physical copy, but I doubt it. This read as more of a high school love drama than an engaging, romantic suspense thriller.
The lead characters (Tessa and Garrett) were boring and one dimensional, and the "mystery" took a back seat to the over the top, cringeworthy romance.
The story was told in alternating POV between Tessa and Garrett, and flicked between present day and past, when they were teenagers.
The present day was Tessa returning to her hometown to attend the funeral of her childhood friend Brittany. The stays at her brother Will's place, who so happens to be living with Garrett, the "one who got away" high school sweetheart. There is mystery surrounding Brittany's death, and the question is does it tie into previous murders that occurred in the small town when they were teenagers.
The story started off interesting enough for me but then turned into a soppy boring high school love drama (I openly cringed at a lot of parts), and the reveals I felt were tacky and not surprising at all.
I don't think I'll be picking up anymore KMOD books anytime soon... the last two I have read of hers haven't been that great and she just brings out way too many books for me to keep up. Onto the next!
November 5, 2024
if kiersten modglin writes it, i'm gonna read it and i'm gonna love it.
December 13, 2024
Is Tessa Becker dreaming? Stranded in the middle of a storm, waiting for help, she sees someone she thought she’d never see again—Garrett Campbell. Not only does Garrett assist Tessa after her car breaks down, but she also discovers that they’ll be roommates while she’s in town for a friend’s funeral. Tessa’s intention when returning to her hometown was to stay with her brother Will, unaware that Garrett and Will are roommates, and Will is actually out of town on business.
Tessa and Garrett have a history which is explored in this book. However, despite the romantic theme, there’s something sinister lurking beneath the surface. When Tessa, Garrett, and Will were in their late teens, murders shook the town. Those murders remained unsolved.
As the story unfolds, the timeline shifts between past and present, revealing how the trio was affected by those murders. Now adults, speculation arises that the current death is connected to those of years ago.
With unexpected twists as the story begins to unravel, past and present collide, impacting both the romance and the suspense. The dual narration in this audiobook made it incredibly easy for me to become fully invested in this captivating story.
Many thanks to Kiersten Modglin and NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Tessa and Garrett have a history which is explored in this book. However, despite the romantic theme, there’s something sinister lurking beneath the surface. When Tessa, Garrett, and Will were in their late teens, murders shook the town. Those murders remained unsolved.
As the story unfolds, the timeline shifts between past and present, revealing how the trio was affected by those murders. Now adults, speculation arises that the current death is connected to those of years ago.
With unexpected twists as the story begins to unravel, past and present collide, impacting both the romance and the suspense. The dual narration in this audiobook made it incredibly easy for me to become fully invested in this captivating story.
Many thanks to Kiersten Modglin and NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
February 3, 2025
1/5
dnf @ pg. 188|55%
dnf @ pg. 188|55%
November 8, 2024
Please continue to write more books like this and Hemlock!
November 8, 2024
DNF at 61%. I really wanted to like it but I lost interest 😩
January 20, 2025
My go to girl for romantic suspense - at this point she owns the genre. She has mastered the art of blending heart racing romance and unease inducing thrills. We have multiple POV and dual timelines (my fave for this type of book) allowing us to really get to know all of our characters and the romance that simmers between them. The plot was plotting and the romance…man did that slow burn pay off. The things that came of Garetts mouth 🤭.
I beg of you if you have not tried romantic suspense pleaseeeee do and start with something by Keirsten.
While I still enjoyed this one I did find the ending to come out of nowhere, and for me not in a good way. It felt convenient and didn’t pack the punch I’m used to with Keirsten.
Now that being said, I still flew through the book and really loved the characters and the way things unraveled.
I beg of you if you have not tried romantic suspense pleaseeeee do and start with something by Keirsten.
While I still enjoyed this one I did find the ending to come out of nowhere, and for me not in a good way. It felt convenient and didn’t pack the punch I’m used to with Keirsten.
Now that being said, I still flew through the book and really loved the characters and the way things unraveled.
December 29, 2024
Where the Darkness Goes(audio)
4.5⭐️
I’m loving all of Kiersten Modglin’s audiobooks so far! The writing sucks me in and the narrators are wonderful. It has me listening every moment I can. Tessa is returning to her small hometown after the death of her friend, Brittany, from high school. She ends up unexpectedly staying in the same house as Garrett, her brother’s best friend and her ex. Past and present timelines weave together as Brittany’s death mirrors the mysterious deaths of teen girls years before while Tessa and Garrett find themselves reliving their hot and steamy will-they-won’t-they dance.
Dual timelines and POV (Tessa and Garrett). I loved hearing both characters’ inner thoughts and monologues. It made me root for them hard knowing their intentions were both so raw and pure for each other.
Audio specific: enjoyed having male and female narrators. Fantastic production.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Dec 31 2024
4.5⭐️
I’m loving all of Kiersten Modglin’s audiobooks so far! The writing sucks me in and the narrators are wonderful. It has me listening every moment I can. Tessa is returning to her small hometown after the death of her friend, Brittany, from high school. She ends up unexpectedly staying in the same house as Garrett, her brother’s best friend and her ex. Past and present timelines weave together as Brittany’s death mirrors the mysterious deaths of teen girls years before while Tessa and Garrett find themselves reliving their hot and steamy will-they-won’t-they dance.
Dual timelines and POV (Tessa and Garrett). I loved hearing both characters’ inner thoughts and monologues. It made me root for them hard knowing their intentions were both so raw and pure for each other.
Audio specific: enjoyed having male and female narrators. Fantastic production.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley and Goodreads.
Pub Date Dec 31 2024
November 8, 2024
“Where the Darkness Goes” by Kiersten Modglin is a story built on an intriguing premise that promised gripping suspense. From the start, the potential for an engaging thriller was evident, and Modglin’s writing style captivated me with its sharpness and fluidity. She has a talent for setting a scene and drawing readers into the world she creates, which made the initial chapters quite compelling.
However, despite the strong start and Modglin’s skilled prose, the execution of the story faltered as it progressed. The plot seemed to lose its focus, veering into territory more reminiscent of a Scooby-Doo mystery than a high-stakes thriller. The past scenes, though perhaps intended to build context, felt unnecessary and failed to add depth to the narrative. This left the main character feeling one-dimensional, making it difficult to form any emotional connection with her.
The structure of the book was another challenge. The subplots often felt disjointed, creating a sense of stagnation for a large portion of the story. For the first 80%, there was minimal movement, as though the narrative was in a holding pattern. Then, in the final stretch, there was an abrupt surge of mini twists and plot developments, as if trying to resolve every loose thread at once. This rush made the ending feel hurried and left the story patched together rather than seamlessly concluded.
Despite these flaws, Modglin’s talent for writing is undeniable. Her style and the potential she shows in crafting unique stories make me hopeful for future works. I believe with stronger plotting and character development, she could deliver truly outstanding thrillers.
I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
However, despite the strong start and Modglin’s skilled prose, the execution of the story faltered as it progressed. The plot seemed to lose its focus, veering into territory more reminiscent of a Scooby-Doo mystery than a high-stakes thriller. The past scenes, though perhaps intended to build context, felt unnecessary and failed to add depth to the narrative. This left the main character feeling one-dimensional, making it difficult to form any emotional connection with her.
The structure of the book was another challenge. The subplots often felt disjointed, creating a sense of stagnation for a large portion of the story. For the first 80%, there was minimal movement, as though the narrative was in a holding pattern. Then, in the final stretch, there was an abrupt surge of mini twists and plot developments, as if trying to resolve every loose thread at once. This rush made the ending feel hurried and left the story patched together rather than seamlessly concluded.
Despite these flaws, Modglin’s talent for writing is undeniable. Her style and the potential she shows in crafting unique stories make me hopeful for future works. I believe with stronger plotting and character development, she could deliver truly outstanding thrillers.
I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
December 10, 2024
could not get through
I have read and enjoyed most of her books but this one was a yawn. Way too much of a romance, almost zero mystery/thriller. The romance was so cringe I had to bail.
I have read and enjoyed most of her books but this one was a yawn. Way too much of a romance, almost zero mystery/thriller. The romance was so cringe I had to bail.
March 5, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
I feel like I’m usually pretty good at seeing plot twists coming, but I so did not see this one.
I feel like I’m usually pretty good at seeing plot twists coming, but I so did not see this one.
November 6, 2024
This book was so good. Had me hooked from the start. I love the relationship between Tessa and Garrett. I enjoyed the dual timelines. I didn’t want to stop reading until I had it figured out and how I was so wrong. Thanks Kiersten Modglin for another great thriller. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 7, 2024
I cannot express how much I loved this book. She truly makes you fall in love with the characters. Such an unexpected twist at the end. Little Easter egg in there from Hemlock too!
December 21, 2024
When I say, I had never read this author before… I wasn’t even certain of the genre. I mean I went it simply with a friend telling me she loved this author. That’s how blind I like to go into my reads.
If you are not like me and you like to know what you’re getting yourself into 😅 you can
Expect 👉🏼 Romantic Thriller, Brother’s Best Friend, It’s Always Been You, Second Chance, Secrets
Beautifully narrated by Ellie Gossage and Jay Meyers in both past and present timelines. This story was unstoppable.
Add it to your tbr. The ebook and print are available now and the audible will be out on December 31st.
4.5/5
If you are not like me and you like to know what you’re getting yourself into 😅 you can
Expect 👉🏼 Romantic Thriller, Brother’s Best Friend, It’s Always Been You, Second Chance, Secrets
Beautifully narrated by Ellie Gossage and Jay Meyers in both past and present timelines. This story was unstoppable.
Add it to your tbr. The ebook and print are available now and the audible will be out on December 31st.
4.5/5
March 6, 2025
Umm so this is a hard one to review. I gave 3 stars because I completed the book and certain parts did hold my attention and wanted me to keep reading to figure out what was happening and who did what. Things I did not enjoy was all the backstory. Even after finishing the book I am not sure why all of the backstory was necessary. And then the twist at the end yea umm idk I did not like it at all.
March 27, 2025
"A wise woman once told me the only thing standing in a bad man's way is a good one."
"The darkness goes where light refuses to be."
I loved Tessa and Garrett; I was rooting for them throughout the story. I really liked how everything wrapped up, and how it was all connected. The format of going from past to present kept me captivated while keeping the pacing fast. I felt like I flied through this book. I appreciated the theme of darkness peppered throughout. Light vs dark was a constant theme, and connected every plot-line and character.
"You left, remember? Not me. Don't judge me for the way I heal my heart."
This quote brought me back to the good ol' Grey's Anatomy days (iykyk) Um they were totally giving Meredith and Derek in the stairwell (during the graduation party), and at prom when they couldn't hold back anymore (when Tessa visited them in college).
"The darkness goes where light refuses to be."
I loved Tessa and Garrett; I was rooting for them throughout the story. I really liked how everything wrapped up, and how it was all connected. The format of going from past to present kept me captivated while keeping the pacing fast. I felt like I flied through this book. I appreciated the theme of darkness peppered throughout. Light vs dark was a constant theme, and connected every plot-line and character.
"You left, remember? Not me. Don't judge me for the way I heal my heart."
This quote brought me back to the good ol' Grey's Anatomy days (iykyk) Um they were totally giving Meredith and Derek in the stairwell (during the graduation party), and at prom when they couldn't hold back anymore (when Tessa visited them in college).
November 9, 2025
3.5 stars. This was a twisty, suspenseful read and I was entertained the whole time. It was a romantic suspense and I enjoyed it. I always find that KM’s books at the very list keep me interested.
January 4, 2025
3.5⭐️
This one was good but not as good as Hemlock imo. I think it's going to be hard to top that one for me. Usually Kiersten's books are more thriller focused but this one was more romantic suspense. Her audios are usually on Hoopla and are quick, easy listens. Narration is always good:
This one was good but not as good as Hemlock imo. I think it's going to be hard to top that one for me. Usually Kiersten's books are more thriller focused but this one was more romantic suspense. Her audios are usually on Hoopla and are quick, easy listens. Narration is always good:
December 5, 2024
Audiobook review -
First of all I really love the audio narrator - Ellie Gossage, her voice is so nice to listen to and makes me immediately like the character she is portraying.
“Where darkness goes” follows the life of two siblings, switching been their present day and teen years.
One aspect of the plot is an on and off again romance between the younger sister and her brothers best friend, I enjoyed this part of the book and liked the love interest, the only comment I’ll make is that their bedroom dialogue for their teen years just is not a realistic reflection of an awkward inexperienced and insecure everyday teenager, however that aspect aside it was enjoyable 😂.
The other side to the plot is a multiple murder mystery in a small town that spans over decades and involves multiple teenage girls from their school with an apparent continuation in adulthood.
Overall I enjoyed the book it was a quick listen so I was able to do it in one sitting.
Thank you to Kiersten Modglin and Dreamscape media for the ALC!
Publish date: December 31st 2024
First of all I really love the audio narrator - Ellie Gossage, her voice is so nice to listen to and makes me immediately like the character she is portraying.
“Where darkness goes” follows the life of two siblings, switching been their present day and teen years.
One aspect of the plot is an on and off again romance between the younger sister and her brothers best friend, I enjoyed this part of the book and liked the love interest, the only comment I’ll make is that their bedroom dialogue for their teen years just is not a realistic reflection of an awkward inexperienced and insecure everyday teenager, however that aspect aside it was enjoyable 😂.
The other side to the plot is a multiple murder mystery in a small town that spans over decades and involves multiple teenage girls from their school with an apparent continuation in adulthood.
Overall I enjoyed the book it was a quick listen so I was able to do it in one sitting.
Thank you to Kiersten Modglin and Dreamscape media for the ALC!
Publish date: December 31st 2024
December 9, 2024
“the darkness goes where light refuses to be”
Every KMod book is always a hit! This one is no different, however it’s less of a thriller than her normal books. I’d say 85% romantic suspense, 15% mystery. With a small cameo from Hemlock. This one is definitely for fans of her books Hemlock and the Hollow. With some unexpected SPICE 🥵.
Tessa returns to her hometown after her friend passes away, which drags up old memories of cold cases from when she was a teenager, all while rooming with her past love: her best friend’s brother.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my ALC! The narrators were great!
Every KMod book is always a hit! This one is no different, however it’s less of a thriller than her normal books. I’d say 85% romantic suspense, 15% mystery. With a small cameo from Hemlock. This one is definitely for fans of her books Hemlock and the Hollow. With some unexpected SPICE 🥵.
Tessa returns to her hometown after her friend passes away, which drags up old memories of cold cases from when she was a teenager, all while rooming with her past love: her best friend’s brother.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my ALC! The narrators were great!
Read
June 17, 2025Full honesty? I finished this book a bit ago and just kept forgetting to update since it was so nothing for 98% and then it finished with the worst conversation I've ever had the displeasure of consuming. I would forget the book exists and then be caused psychic damage by the reminder. I physically cannot give this any stars, it would upset my slightly grey morality, causing my supervillain arc to start in a non-sexy and cute way. -1000/5
WHO WAS GONNA WARN ME ABOUT THE INCEST HUH??? LET'S DISCUSS THAT, SHALL WE??????
I don't care if Modglin thought having the MMC say "I love you too much, but I understand if you don't feel the same way about me" would forgive the potential incest. It doesn't. It's gross. I hate it. I will not be reading this author ever again, thank you.
Here's the spoiler explanation of what the situation was, for those who would like to know:
I took this book out on a whim, and I will admit that I have a habit of not actually reading the synopsis for a book or even hearing much about it before deciding to read it. I saw the tags romance and thriller and went "ooooohh" and that led me astray. It led me down a dark path that I have taken on the burden of dissuading others from also taking. Do yourself a favour, don't read this book. Incest aside (never thought I would ever say that in my entire life), it's absolutely boring. The two mains are total nothing-burgers, the mystery is basically a ghost on the plot, we kept introducing useless side characters, and the romance is obnoxiously cliche. Bad Book. Full Stop.
WHO WAS GONNA WARN ME ABOUT THE INCEST HUH??? LET'S DISCUSS THAT, SHALL WE??????
I don't care if Modglin thought having the MMC say "I love you too much, but I understand if you don't feel the same way about me" would forgive the potential incest. It doesn't. It's gross. I hate it. I will not be reading this author ever again, thank you.
Here's the spoiler explanation of what the situation was, for those who would like to know:
I took this book out on a whim, and I will admit that I have a habit of not actually reading the synopsis for a book or even hearing much about it before deciding to read it. I saw the tags romance and thriller and went "ooooohh" and that led me astray. It led me down a dark path that I have taken on the burden of dissuading others from also taking. Do yourself a favour, don't read this book. Incest aside (never thought I would ever say that in my entire life), it's absolutely boring. The two mains are total nothing-burgers, the mystery is basically a ghost on the plot, we kept introducing useless side characters, and the romance is obnoxiously cliche. Bad Book. Full Stop.
November 16, 2024
I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump with my last few books. Usual love Kiersten’s stuff but this one didn’t do it for me. It was too slow and a bit too highschool. I still love her as an author though and everything else I’ve read from her has been great. This one just struggled to keep my interest
December 15, 2024
I chose this book based off the author, Kiersten Modglin, as her trillers are generally quick easy reads. I feel like this book was more of a cutesy love story with a little drama mixed in- and I was not thrilled.
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