Red Water

by Kristen Mae

FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR KRISTEN MAE

He was trying to kill her, too...

"One of those books that chews you up and spits you out--you will never be the same."  - Andra Watkins, New York Times bestselling author of  Not Without My Father .

"Dark, erotic, and haunting, Red Water sticks with you like a dream you can't shake." - Meghan O'Flynn, author of the Ash Park series

"With prose that will bring you to your knees, Red Water will hold you in its grip without apology, and you will love every torturous second of it." - Beth Teliho, author of the award-winning Order of Seven

Malory Shoemaker would prefer just about any place over the beat-up trailer she's had to call home since her mom died, so even her tiny dorm room feels like an upgrade. And though she sometimes still hears her father's whispers in her mind, she's excelling at school, making new friends, and has even attracted an enigmatic admirer.

But when her new love interest begins to reveal his more unsavory appetites, Malory finds herself a hapless participant in sick games that force her to confront her nasty inner demons. As the game intensifies, so do the whispers in Malory's head. Now she must accept the fate she's always believed inevitable, or risk losing the only person who ever made her feel like she was worth fighting for. But how do you let love in when the only thing that feels right is pain?

Erotic and disturbing, Red Water slithers under your skin with its dark, unflinching examination of the psychology of self-loathing and the secret, unspeakable lust for depravity that lies dormant within us all. If you loved Caroline Kepnes's  You  or Gillian Flynn's  Sharp Objects , you will love  Red Water.

Genres: Dark, Abuse, Dark Romance, New Adult, Romance, Suspense, Fiction

372 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2017

About the author

Kristen Mae lives on the Atlantic coast of Florida with her two children and a fuzzy, giant-eared little dog named Gizmo. In addition to being a novelist, she is a classically trained violist and an artist.

For more from Kristen Mae, sign up for her reader group at abandoningpretense.com, and follow her on social media at facebook.com/AbandoningPretense and at Instagram @kristenmae_author.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is probably the most difficult review I've had to write in a long time. In all reality, probably the hardest review I'll have to write for years to come.

I think the thing that I most want to communicate with people who decide to read this review is that it's not that I don't like this book. When I first picked it up, I really didn't know what to expect. I've never read anything by this author before and I was really in the dark as to how this might play out. I was immediately a fan when I found out that the main character, Malory, played the cello. I've played the cello since I was 9 years old ... holy crap ... that's almost 3 decades! So I completely understood what Malory was going through with the trials and tribulations of that. I think it's difficult for people who don't play an instrument or sport, for that matter, to understand the dedication and constant turmoil you put yourself through as you try to master something that seems so daunting at times.

Unfortunately, I connected with Malory on another level also. Dating a guy that is abusive, no matter in which way, can be difficult. My dark times also happened in college, just like with Malory. I'm not totally for sure if that was the reason I had to skip paragraphs and pages of this book or what. But I'm sure that's not too far off base. Malory gets herself into this psychologically, emotionally and physically abusive relationship. Thinking that this was a romance novel with a twist was not anywhere near the truth. This is a novel about that abuse. It's about a chick's need to be in an abusive relationship because she thinks the kind of treatment she's getting is love. She accepts it. Craves it, even.

This was a very dark, very disturbing read. If I was basing my rating just on how this book made me feel, I wouldn't give it any damn stars. I would have used it for kindling in a trashcan fire. That was my first instinct. But then I finished the book and I stopped and really thought about it. How amazing is an author if they are able to evoke such strong emotions from the reader? If she can make you absolutely HATE a character, make your stomach turn, make you want to cry ... that's got to mean she's pretty badass, right? I think so.

So maybe this wasn't a book that I would read again. Ever. But that doesn't mean it wasn't well written. It doesn't mean that the story wasn't this deep, dark, black hole that sucks you in and won't let go. And it most certainly doesn't mean that it wasn't a good book. It was ... if you really enjoy the perversion that plagues some of our most inhumane population. While I'm glad that I read it, I'm also glad that I'm done.

* I received this novel in exchange for an honest review *

Check out more of my reviews at Little Miss Bookmark!

[Dee · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars generously rounded up.

After having my heart ripped to shreds by this author's book, Beyond the Break, I immediately jumped into the next one I could find by her - perhaps I'm a masochist.

RE the above, Yep, I'm a masochist, this story was extremely painful.

Review - Not every book is for everyone. Despite, how much I loved the first book I read by this author, this story rubbed me the wrong way.

First person, present tense is my least favorite style of narration. But, Kristen Mae wooed me so much with Beyond The Break, I had high hopes she'd pull it off. Dialogue like he is looking at me, comes across as passive and telling (to me) but let me tell you, there is nothing passive about the antihero of this story.

I love me some dark kinky content, but in this instance, therein lies the issue I had with this story. Garrett has no redeeming qualities, he's a f&*kn wanker who I wanted to punch in the nuts.

While I didn't get all hot and bothered when Garrett raped her took her by force and.....drum roll, she had an orgasm while questioning her own sanity, others might get off on it.

AS the saying goes everyone gets something different out of a book ,reviews are subjective, so gives this one a go and draw your own conclusion.

Because of my love for this authors other book/s, I'll read the next one... if it's not in first person. Note to self, check out kindle sample BEFORE hitting one-click.

[Di Covey/TwistedBookReviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I revised my review now that I'm sober. LOL!

“Something in your eyes. You’ve got so much soul. Your eyes are like a well where, if I accidentally fell in, I would never stop falling.”

It took me a dang moment to write this review. Actually, I wrote my original review after a few drinks. I don't recommend that. Red Water is the first book I've read by this author, I had to check out her back-log and see what I've been missing. The writing is a web, slowing capturing you, keeping you glued to the pages.

This book. I'm not sure how I dealt with the emotion or fact that I was victimized, torn up, spit out... This book pushed all my buttons. This is not a romance, but you'll find it within the pages.

This is me while reading, I'm happily playing in the grass and the bugs start biting, I cry, help me, I get nothing. I cry some more, but I like the burn. You nasty critters, bite me. Thank you for biting me, I love the sting. I'm a masochist for angst and let me tell you, this book checks all the marks. You don't even know how much my chest ached with every page. This story had me on the edge of my seat. I read every chance I had. I read in the bathroom. I read while watching people eat. I read. Speaking from a reader who's read hundreds of books, this sucker had me. As much I wanted the heroine to BREATHE, the more I wanted to suffocate. This book cut me, and I loved every slash.

[Laura Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Water
by Kristen Mae
4.5 Cello Stars!!!

When this book was recommended to me, I had never heard of this author. Went in totally blind and WOW!!! What a train wreck of a story this one was.

It’s a dark read that has some serious triggers. So if you are one who has triggers, tread lightly considering this one!

Malory has finally found her way out of the trailer she was living in and is now at college. Her valedictorian status allowed her to get a scholarship to college playing the cello. Her head is on straight, she’s ready to start college, she’s ready to kill the performance that will award her. After all the years of being told she wasn’t good enough, wasn’t pretty enough, wasn’t smart enough, she has opened the doors to prove to her father she is all that and more.

Meeting new friends when you never really had any to begin with is hard.

So, when the ‘thug’ from 2 floors up introduces himself, she immediately turns the other way…because of his appearance. Rome is all that and more! Never judge a book by its cover, right???

When the sexy, dressed good, looks good guy stands to the side and listens to her perform downtown for money, she is overwhelmed. Garrett is a psychopath!

Nothing like overcoming your fears at home to be thrown into a whirlwind down-hill spiraling out of control person at college.

Can anyone help this poor Girl??? I could NOT stop reading this book!!! Could not put it down. Grab this one and give it a read. Will be checking out this authors other work, that’s for sure!!


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[April Sylva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Malory, what are you doing? Stop. It. Right. Now! I can't tell you how many times I screamed that in my head while reading this book. I relate with Malory more than I would like to admit. Reading it was like peeling back the layers of my own toxic relationships. Red Water is deep, sexual, intriguing, heartbreaking, can't put it down good. A roller coaster of emotion that will leave you feeling dizzy. I found myself analyzing every relationship I've ever had and sorting them into either the Rome or the Garrett category. Kristen Mae has outdone herself.
I also love that Claire and Hazel from Beyond the Break made a small appearance.

[Meghan O'Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunting. Erotic. Emotional. Depraved. Fantasic. Mae takes you on a journey to the darkest recesses of the mind and leaves you breathless and gasping not knowing if you should cry or scream or read it all again. This novel is a must read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! That's the best way I can describe this book.

I finished reading and had to just sit and work through it all in my head. I spent a lot of time feeling like I'd been punched in the gut and questioning my own responses to the characters.

Fair warning: It is dark. Dark and twisted and erotic and painful. There is some pretty explicit sexual content.

That being said, her writing is beautiful. Can I even call writing about sexual and mental abuse beautiful? I was completely shattered by these characters and Malory's pain. She felt so real that I vacillated between wanting to either save my best friend or shake her for making such horrible decisions...

I can't think of the last book that affected me so strongly.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.49 ( just can't go to the next star)

This was a first for me from this author. The book was well written but man was it hard to read. The description of the book really needs to be changed and the triggers need to be changed. If you want to read a book that will make you sad with no pick you up then this is a read for you. Like I said it was a well written book just not my cup of tea I guess.

[Tristan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It pained me to put this book down, it pained my to keep reading it, and it pained me to finish it, BUT I kept coming back. I swear I had to read the last 3rd of the book with one hand over my eyes. Red Water is beautifully written. *Truly* Instantly I felt a connection to Malory, and desperately wanted her to dig herself out. To start again with a reset button. I loved her bravery, raw talent and altruism. I connected with her need for a tough exterior hiding a vulnerable and wounded heart. I felt defeated with her despair and self-loathing. It was so hard to witness, over and over, how she had to relive the nightmare and probe the depths of depravity to finally change course. I haven’t yelled out loud at a protagonist in a novel in a long time but I couldn’t help myself. It broke my heart.

The author did a brilliant job of intertwining Malory’s past with her present. Cause ->effect. It all made so much sense and sadly so. The author was unflinching in her determination to describe desperation, depression, abuse -with all its unflattering accoutrements- full on. Malory’s self-awareness was striking in its futility.

This is a story that too many of us can connect to on varying levels. It saddens me to think what the author must have gone through to write this so psychopathically (is that a word?) perfect. I think there’s a temptation to make a story like this redeem the villain in the end. But Garrett was true to form, unsalvageable.

The only negative I can say is that I’ll need a few days to get Malory out of my head and that the bar for my next read is so high that I’m certain whatever that is will fall short. xo

[Jessica Masden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Water is seductive, in a way that this book sucks you in and you won't want it to end, because I didn't. Red Water is deliciously thought out, and written at a pace that isn't hard to get hooked, or easy to set down. This book is endearing, playful, and shows the power of choice, even if you don't agree with every choice. Red Water is authentic and it is not trying to be over the top in its genre, as some books do. It's a poetic masterpiece in its ending, and the acknowledgements are again, hilarious. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this book, and have already. done so.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began this novel in the evening before bed, then stayed awake hours longer than I should have after becoming so emotionally involved with the main character that I could not stop reading. After I finished, It took me a few days to process in order to come up with the right words to do this story justice. It is a gut wrenching and difficult read, and at the same time, beautiful and uplifting. It will stay with you long after you finish reading and move on to another novel. The characters are created so deftly, realistically, and with such complexity that it is impossible to avoid being pulled into this story emotionally. Erotic, then shocking, at times really disturbing, I found myself silently screaming warnings at the main character as if I could somehow stop her from being pulled further and further into the nightmare she found herself drawn into. Just try to be unaffected by this book. It's impossible.

[Picky_Book_B1tch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was a sneaky bitch! It started out normally enough then slowly morphed into one fucked up read. I'm still processing. I waffled between 4 and 5 stars for a while but the more I thought about it, the more the writer's genius revealed itself.

I highly recommend that you go into this one blind.......unless you have triggers, then please do some research. The subject matter is not easy but I am so blown away by the approach this author took. So often we fail to understand how people get caught up in such horrible situations, shifting blame to the victim, thinking she should have known better. The approach this author took highlights just how devious the process can be.

[Natalie Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gonna just drop my 5 stars because I have no words right now. 🤣

[Chrissy Woj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, you guys. It brought out some seriously visceral feels. As I got deeper and deeper into this novel, I had to take more frequent breaks, because it was so intense. But in the same vein, I could not put it down. Kristen Mae's writing pulls me down and binds me to her words. It's intoxicating. This book explores the toxicity of abusive relationships and takes the reader through a victim's journey like no other. As much as you're screaming for Malory to get out, you can understand how it happened, and you just want to rescue her. Sultry, devious, and dark, Red Water will leave you begging for more.

[Kis · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,7

[Beth Teliho · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book earlier in the week but it has taken me days to find my words, which I hope do the brilliance of this book justice. Red Water gutted me in all the right ways. Just as Garret played Malory like an instrument, the author expertly plays her readers without apology. I was gripped, under the power of this book, helpless but loving every second. Dang, Kristen Mae can spin a story. I was already a fan or her writing, but now I'm a straight-up Supah Fan with the hat and t-shirt.

Gritty. Raw. Brutally honest. Disturbing. Erotic. Haunting. Expertly choreographed. Prose that will bring you to your knees. My hands shook and eyes teared as I read the last pages. << that's visceral reading at its best. There's just nothing better than that. This story and characters will be under my skin for a very long time.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Water
Kristen Mae
*Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC. The following are my own words without influence or prompting*.
This is a beautifully written story of depression and mental/sexual abuse. It, in no way whatsoever glorifies the trauma a person goes through, but tells a story of one woman’s journey. It is erotic, violent, and opened a lot of feelings I have about my own past. After reading this book it is easier for me to see how hard it is to break out of the cycle of abuse and how easy it is to get into the cycle to begin with. Especially when you are already suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health illness. So if you want something that is darkly erotic and will mentally put you through the wringer, then get yourself a copy of Red Water today. Kristen Mae is an extremely talented author you don’t want to miss out on.

[EroticaAfterDark (Lilith)]

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Blurb:
How do you let love in when the only thing that feels right is pain?

Compared to the beat-up trailer she’s had to call home since her mom died, Malory Shoemaker’s tiny dorm room is a significant upgrade.

An escape.

An escape from the terrible things her father put her family through. An escape from the whispers—his whispers—that still skitter through her mind. An escape from darkness.

And though Malory has not yet managed to silence her father’s whispers, she is excelling at school, making new friends, and shining as the music school’s new star cellist. She has even attracted an enigmatic admirer.

But when this new love interest begins to reveal his more unsavory appetites, Malory finds herself a hapless participant in a sick game—a game that forces her to confront her own nasty inner demons. And as the game intensifies, so do the old, familiar whispers in Malory’s head.

Now she must decide: sink back into the darkness, or claw her way to the surface and discover a life worth fighting for.

Merged review:


→ On sale for maybe a limited time. ←



→ Submit or subscribe to The DARK Newsletter! ←

Blurb:
How do you let love in when the only thing that feels right is pain?

Compared to the beat-up trailer she’s had to call home since her mom died, Malory Shoemaker’s tiny dorm room is a significant upgrade.

An escape.

An escape from the terrible things her father put her family through. An escape from the whispers—his whispers—that still skitter through her mind. An escape from darkness.

And though Malory has not yet managed to silence her father’s whispers, she is excelling at school, making new friends, and shining as the music school’s new star cellist. She has even attracted an enigmatic admirer.

But when this new love interest begins to reveal his more unsavory appetites, Malory finds herself a hapless participant in a sick game—a game that forces her to confront her own nasty inner demons. And as the game intensifies, so do the old, familiar whispers in Malory’s head.

Now she must decide: sink back into the darkness, or claw her way to the surface and discover a life worth fighting for.

[CD · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you read the summary on the jacket, you will be drawn to this story. You need to be prepared because the author does a wonderful job teasing you while not allowing you to understand how deep you will fall into this story. It's been a while since I've felt such emotions from reading.

The characters in this story are very believable. No one will want to believe this story is real or could be real. Kristen Mae writes the pain and horror so beautifully, you don't want to continue reading, but you have to know what happens to these characters. I wasn't expecting the ending because I saw the characters how they saw themselves. I couldn't see what could happen in the next few pages because I was living the moments with them.

It took me a long time to write this review because I had to put this book down when I was finished and reflect. When you get in, you will be in; you will want to leave and you can't leave. Prepare yourself for the trip you will go on and be prepared to feel some shit you're not expecting.

[Heather Holter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is shocking, scary, sad, erotic, thrilling and terrible! It addresses many issues a young adult might face-overcoming death of a loved one, dealing with childhood abuse, suicidal thoughts, college stress, sexual identity, self-deprecating thoughts, eating disorders, struggling to fit in, friendship, romance, social status, drug and alcohol usage, college partying, sexual promiscuity, abusive relationships, betrayal, fitness and music. You will relate to SOMETHING in this book, probably many things, no matter who you are. But it just may make you reflect a little too much. It is a moving account that is sure to make you think, and perhaps cry! So many emotions occurred in me while reading it!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 16 yr old girl disappears after a night out and her family discover she has taken her passport and money in 1989 on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. However , as war takes its toll on the country , the investigation falters and it is left to her father and twin brother to continue the search. Following various tip offs and sightings, they travel over all country and the surrounding ones to put up posters and walk the streets looking for her. Her disappearance changes the village she lived in, making everyone suspicious, ruining marriages, causing people to leave the place . The ending is surprising but satisfying .

[Crystal I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Water will haunt your dreams.

This story is about a young girl who had to fight tooth and nail to get where she has. Having a childhood that haunts you only makes things worse. She gets herself mixed up with someone who she feels very deeply for even though sometimes love hurts... in more ways than one.

This book is dark. It will make you FEEL things you don't want to feel. It will leave you breathless in anticipation always wanting more. Kristen gets down into your soul with her writing, and I look forward to many more books by this author.

[Amy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a book that makes you ignore your family and forget to do the laundry...this is it! I literally didn't put this book down except when I had to go to work. Erotic, naughty, haunting, nauseating, addictive, maddening are all words I'd use to describe it. Mae knows how to write a book that you wish never ended. And she leaves you thinking about the characters long after you're done reading. I devoured this tasty morsel in 2 days!

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't do this book justice with my words--Kristen Mae's artful talent is too evisceratingly beautiful to capture. But let me tell you a true story: I stayed up ALL NIGHT reading this book. I'm a mom of two young kids. This was insane and ridiculous. It was also the best night I've had in ages and worth every drip of the coffee IV I had to rock the next day. It's not what she writes about, it's that she crafts characters with the most gorgeous realism who invite you to fall into their world and get lost with them.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome!!! Very gritty and raw. A whole new perspective on some very serious issues. A glimpse at madness and evil but also a victim's road to redemption. It is a roller coaster that will anger you, surprise you, pull at your heart and bring you to tears but it is so very worth the ride.

[Heather Waggoner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Water pulls you in, like you are being drawn underwater by the tide. The emotions you feel as you ebb and flow through sadness, jubilation, anger, humiliation, and pride leave you breathless, unable to process your own feelings. Taken from searing sexual desire to tears in a matter of moments you will be left raw and wanting more.

[Misty Hess · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an author manages to evoke real emotion- even if it's uncomfortable, you know the book is amazing. This book took me through an array of emotions from hope, to anger and despair and finally to peace at the conclusion. I couldn't put it down and can't wait to read this again. Kristen Mae has a way of bringing her characters to life and allowing one to feel what they feel and experience their story right along with them. Highly recommended!

[Mary Widdicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a rare book that makes you question your own values and desires along with the characters in the story, but Mae's Red Water does just that. You will find yourself pulled into a world of lust and depravity and even though you know you shouldn't want it, you'll find yourself begging for more. It's more that just a good read, it's a journey.

[Ria Avelar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Water is heart pounding. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster. Erotic, sensual, violent I literally could not put the book down. Kristen Mae did it again. Created a novel that rocked me to my core. ❤

[Annmarie Crombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! Red Water had me on the edge of my seat, just wanting more and more page after page incredibly written.