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Predator Trilogy #1
Η Λεία
Η Ρόουαν Σμίθ ξεκουράζεται σε ένα παραλιακό σπίτι στο Μαλιμπου, ενώ το τελευταίο της θρίλερ έχει γίνει μπέστ σέλερ και γυρίζεται ταινία στο Χόλυγουντ. Πρώην πράκτορας του Εφ Μπι Αι,η Ρόουαν κατατρύχεται από ένα σκοτεινό παρελθόν, πιστεύει όμως ότι έχει νικήσει τους δαίμονες της. Μέχρι που η φαντασία και η πραγματικότητα συγκρούονται, όταν ένα πτώμα βρίσκεται στο Κολοράντο :το θύμα είχε το ίδιο όνομα, το ίδιο επάγγελμα, ακόμη και την ιδιά εμφάνιση με την ηρωίδα στο μυθιστόρημα της Ρόουαν...
446 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2005
504 people are currently reading
5486 people want to read
About the author
Allison Brennan
110 books5,280 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Allison Brennan believes that life is too short to be bored, so she had five children and writes three books a year.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
In 2019, Allison relocated from Northern California to Arizona with her family and assorted pets. She loves baseball, hiking, family game night, and (of course) reading.
RT Book Reviews called Allison “a master of suspense” and her books “haunting,” “mesmerizing,” “pulse-pounding” and “emotionally complex.” She's been nominated for many awards, and is a three time winner of the Reviewer's Choice award winner for RT Book Reviews as well as the Daphne du Maurier award. Most recently, she was nominated for Best Paperback Original by International Thriller Writers.
With over 45 books and dozens of short stories, Allison is writing multiple series and the occasional stand alone thriller. Her most recent book out now is THE MISSING WITNESS, part of the Quinn & Costa series. In June Allison is launching a new Phoenix-set series about a family of private investigators starting with YOU'LL NEVER FIND ME.
You can reach Allison through Goodreads or her website.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
August 18, 2019
Awesome suspense/mystery plot and wonderful romance. I could really feel the desperation the heroine feels when she realizes that the serial killer is using her creations as a blueprint for his sadistic murders. Lots of great elements to this book . . . but, several not so great elements too. I really hate repetitious descriptions and the martyr and high on the scale angst. Throw in some "that just can't happen" plot points and it just wasn't up to what I expected.
Rowan Smith, former FBI agent and now bestselling author of crime mysteries, is in Los Angeles acting as screenwriter for one of her novels being made into a movie. Her past is a closely held secret and few people really know her. When bodies start showing up dead exactly as she wrote it she can't, in her wildest imagination, think why this should be happening. The studio insists she have a bodyguard and the FBI want her in a safe house. Rowan just wants to know why, but she is smart enough to know that she needs help to stay safe.
John Flynn, former Delta Force officer and partner with his brother Michael in a security business, takes one look at Rowan and, even though Michael saw her first, knows all bets are off on this woman. John is just back from an op that didn't end as he wanted it to. He knows that Rowan is not being totally honest with them about her past and that it could very well get them all killed and John is just not going to let that happen if he can stop it and that means breaking down all the barriers Rowan has placed to protect herself.
3 1/2-Stars
Rowan Smith, former FBI agent and now bestselling author of crime mysteries, is in Los Angeles acting as screenwriter for one of her novels being made into a movie. Her past is a closely held secret and few people really know her. When bodies start showing up dead exactly as she wrote it she can't, in her wildest imagination, think why this should be happening. The studio insists she have a bodyguard and the FBI want her in a safe house. Rowan just wants to know why, but she is smart enough to know that she needs help to stay safe.
John Flynn, former Delta Force officer and partner with his brother Michael in a security business, takes one look at Rowan and, even though Michael saw her first, knows all bets are off on this woman. John is just back from an op that didn't end as he wanted it to. He knows that Rowan is not being totally honest with them about her past and that it could very well get them all killed and John is just not going to let that happen if he can stop it and that means breaking down all the barriers Rowan has placed to protect herself.
3 1/2-Stars
April 15, 2014
Not a bad read by any means, Allison Brennan is a very competent writer, capturing emotions and continuity with east. The main character is quite weak at first - actually through most of the book the characters were all a bit weak emotionally, something I'm not totally use to, but I adapted. The story line was good - a serial killer on a mission of vengeance/justice according to him. Some twists and a red herring thrown in at first, then it became clear who the bad guy was. Yeah, the guy spent a lot of time in prison and had lots of time to think, but I'm not convinced he could have been all that "worldly" and clever - but then there wouldn't have been a story.
Romance is quite heavy in this book, which is okay - the hot scenes are sizzling hot, and once the characters faced their "urges" their emotions started to strengthen somewhat.
Do I recommend this book - sure for those who love a good romantic suspense .
This is the first book in Allison Brennan's "Predator Series" - on to the second "The Hunt".
Romance is quite heavy in this book, which is okay - the hot scenes are sizzling hot, and once the characters faced their "urges" their emotions started to strengthen somewhat.
Do I recommend this book - sure for those who love a good romantic suspense .
This is the first book in Allison Brennan's "Predator Series" - on to the second "The Hunt".
March 15, 2016
The Prey (Predator Trilogy, #1)
by Allison Brennan
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thrillers & Suspense
Rowan Smith, an attractive former FBI agent, has turned into successful crime writer. Things get bad when some maniac start to recreate murder scenes from her books in real life...
I tried, I really tried but I couldn't make it to the end.
I just didn't care who did it.
I didn't much care for the characters. Rowan was too annoying, whiny and jumpy most of the time. Yes, she had reason for being like that but it was revealed too late and I didn't see any growth in her (it would have been better if author had fleshed out Rowan first, then started to add other characters). Didn't feel any chemistry between the heroine and the hero.
I didn't like the writing style, too many POVs (!), so that I didn't felt any connection with the lead characters. And when died, then I stopped reading!
Try authors like Karen Rose, Linda Howard, Christina Dodd, Christy Reece instead.
by Allison Brennan
Genre: Romantic Suspense, Thrillers & Suspense
Rowan Smith, an attractive former FBI agent, has turned into successful crime writer. Things get bad when some maniac start to recreate murder scenes from her books in real life...
I tried, I really tried but I couldn't make it to the end.
I just didn't care who did it.
I didn't much care for the characters. Rowan was too annoying, whiny and jumpy most of the time. Yes, she had reason for being like that but it was revealed too late and I didn't see any growth in her (it would have been better if author had fleshed out Rowan first, then started to add other characters). Didn't feel any chemistry between the heroine and the hero.
I didn't like the writing style, too many POVs (!), so that I didn't felt any connection with the lead characters. And when died, then I stopped reading!
Try authors like Karen Rose, Linda Howard, Christina Dodd, Christy Reece instead.
April 2, 2022
Rowan trabajó para el FBI, y ahora se gana la vida escribiendo novelas. Un asesino está reproduciendo las truculencias de ficción que ella escribe. El chico de la película es John, que acude a protegerla como guardaespaldas.
El principio me pareció más bien lento, pero luego mediada la novela, la cosa coge ritmo y ya no pude parar de leer hasta el final.
Mi ejemplar lo compré en una oferta en papel, en español, que estaba rebajadita, y tardé meses en leerla. Es suspense romántico de usar y tirar: con suficiente romance e intriga como para entretener, pero sin nada especial.
De esta novela publiqué en mi blog crítica en español y review en inglés.
El principio me pareció más bien lento, pero luego mediada la novela, la cosa coge ritmo y ya no pude parar de leer hasta el final.
Mi ejemplar lo compré en una oferta en papel, en español, que estaba rebajadita, y tardé meses en leerla. Es suspense romántico de usar y tirar: con suficiente romance e intriga como para entretener, pero sin nada especial.
De esta novela publiqué en mi blog crítica en español y review en inglés.
January 23, 2008
Wow was my first impression of this book. It has the kind of dark elements I like in a romantic suspense novel. The villains are EVIL twisted killers. I loved that. The characters are believable and the tension in this story is so thick it would be hard to cut with a knife, unless a sharp one. It's Allison's debut novel and I had the chance to meet her when I was in the US at a conference. She's definately a gifted writer and her chosen genre suits her.
She's not affraid to make her characters suffer and I like that too now wishy washy girlie girlie heroines and iritating overly macho heroes in this book. Plot driven it's a fast moving story that I'll be picking up to read again, soon.
She's not affraid to make her characters suffer and I like that too now wishy washy girlie girlie heroines and iritating overly macho heroes in this book. Plot driven it's a fast moving story that I'll be picking up to read again, soon.
December 18, 2018
A wildly interesting concept, executed poorly at every turn. While I wasn’t really expecting much to start, what I got was a ridiculous love story wrapped in a highly illogical mystery. Paper thin characters who repeat the same thoughts and feelings again and again. Zero motivation to continue this series, considering what the opening book brought to the table.
November 11, 2015
Lo amé.
Aunque hubieron muchas cosas que no me terminaron se convencer...
Pero la trama era tan buena!!
Aunque hubieron muchas cosas que no me terminaron se convencer...
Pero la trama era tan buena!!
June 18, 2015
While a very good mystery/thriller, I had a really hard time even liking Rowan through most of the story. She's cold, brash and off-putting. Nor could I understand why John was so drawn to her, as she sure didn't give him a reason to be! There were also too many situations that stretched the realm of believability a little too far, especially near the end. The premise of a serial killer recreating fictitious murders from suspense/thriller novels was eerily gripping, though, which did keep me reading. And, even though the killer was revealed, it was interesting to try and figure out how everything would ever be reconciled in that twisted situation!
July 8, 2016
This book was interesting to me mainly because of my initial and ending reactions to it. When I first read the summary of it I found it to be one that was truly interesting.
When I read the beginning, again I was interested, however this book is about 200 pages too long. There were a lot of things which were much too drawn out and could have been more succinct, and I don't get how this novel was ever actually called fast paced.
Rowan/Lily is too closed off for much of the novel and while some people might consider this to be more realistic it does not make for very entertaining reading at all, and leaves the reader left out in the cold in terms of relating to the character on any terms.
The love triangle between Rowan, Michael and John seemed contrived, and Michael's death seemed to be forced in a way.
However the last two hundred pages of the book made me stick with it, as the mystery of who the killer is was revealed and the twisted tale of Rowan/Lily's past was revealed. I was really appreciative of the pace of the book from that point on, and was willing to forgive Brennan for the horrible middle.
I don't know if I will or not, but I might be willing to pick up her other books, if they are more like the end of this one.
When I read the beginning, again I was interested, however this book is about 200 pages too long. There were a lot of things which were much too drawn out and could have been more succinct, and I don't get how this novel was ever actually called fast paced.
Rowan/Lily is too closed off for much of the novel and while some people might consider this to be more realistic it does not make for very entertaining reading at all, and leaves the reader left out in the cold in terms of relating to the character on any terms.
The love triangle between Rowan, Michael and John seemed contrived, and Michael's death seemed to be forced in a way.
However the last two hundred pages of the book made me stick with it, as the mystery of who the killer is was revealed and the twisted tale of Rowan/Lily's past was revealed. I was really appreciative of the pace of the book from that point on, and was willing to forgive Brennan for the horrible middle.
I don't know if I will or not, but I might be willing to pick up her other books, if they are more like the end of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2015
No sé exactamente que decir de este libro.. La historia de suspense está muy bien llevada pero si bien es cierto que hay algunas cosas que yo eliminaría porque para mi no eran necesarias, en general está muy bien escrita.
Si soy sincera no esperaba mucho de la novela porque la parte de la sinopsis que decía que había dos hombres detrás de la protagonista no me convencía ya que por regla general no me gustan los triángulos amorosos pero en este caso no hay nada que temer porque se aprecia la química entre los protagonistas desde la primera escena en la que aparecen juntos.
Lo recomiendo si os gustan las novelas de suspense porque la carga de suspense es mayor que la romántica y la historia en general está bien llevada, eso sí, es una historia dura y densa.
Los protagonistas provienen de sitios muy diferentes, mientras que John ha tenido una infancia que podriamos considerar normal, Rowan no lo ha tenido nada fácil, día a día debe luchar contra el pasado y eso está presente en toda la historia. Rowan es la protagonista por excelencia de la novela, tiene un carácter peculiar pero por otra parte no podría ser de otra manera debido a lo que ha tenido que pasar.
Continuaré con la serie porque quiero saber que sucede con las amigas de Rowan.
Si soy sincera no esperaba mucho de la novela porque la parte de la sinopsis que decía que había dos hombres detrás de la protagonista no me convencía ya que por regla general no me gustan los triángulos amorosos pero en este caso no hay nada que temer porque se aprecia la química entre los protagonistas desde la primera escena en la que aparecen juntos.
Lo recomiendo si os gustan las novelas de suspense porque la carga de suspense es mayor que la romántica y la historia en general está bien llevada, eso sí, es una historia dura y densa.
Los protagonistas provienen de sitios muy diferentes, mientras que John ha tenido una infancia que podriamos considerar normal, Rowan no lo ha tenido nada fácil, día a día debe luchar contra el pasado y eso está presente en toda la historia. Rowan es la protagonista por excelencia de la novela, tiene un carácter peculiar pero por otra parte no podría ser de otra manera debido a lo que ha tenido que pasar.
Continuaré con la serie porque quiero saber que sucede con las amigas de Rowan.
August 4, 2011
Former FBI agent turned writer is stalked by a crazy fan. Her bodyguard has to uncover the secrets of her past to find out who is trying to kill her... yada yada.. I did not like the main character in this book. Way to much crying and feeling sorry for herself, the fact that 2 men fall for her is beyond me. Its the worst Brennan book Ive read. But I have enjoyed her other books, so Ill cut her some slack. Usually Id read this kind of book in 2 days, but it took me almost 4 and that was just bc Im to stubborn to throw it away.
December 9, 2017
First I want to say is Allison Brennan is a wonderful Author... This book however (Great Story) but way to much romance/ sex scenes and to me took away from the Great Storyline of the book... I just read recently the Hunt in the same Series, different storyline and basically stuck to the what the book was about and just a tad of Romance. I will still read her books, because of the style of books I like to read... So that is the reasoning of the 3 stars that I rated it!!!
July 16, 2019
I told myself never again to read one of her books. But here I was, stuck with nothing else to read. Note to self, don't ever read her books!!!
The story starts off good, if somewhat a cliché, strong(ish) female character, sounds good. And then it starts. The "I knew how he/she felt because they looked that way". You can skip pages at a time when the story stands still, because one of the heroes just has to have an internal monologue about something trivial, because we need the drama. And then comes the "we can't be together" bullshit, followed by insta-love and a happy end.
Honorable mention goes to the absolutely unprofessional FBI team who instead of getting everyone, who's emotionally involved away, brings in as many of them as possible. Because a priest preaching about hell and "knowing Bobby wants to repent" will work. Because who else could diffuse a bomb but a worrying brother? Idiots.
Stupid names, 100+ unnecessary pages, loads of whining. One and a half stars because of the story. Would have been two if any of the twists were explained.
The story starts off good, if somewhat a cliché, strong(ish) female character, sounds good. And then it starts. The "I knew how he/she felt because they looked that way". You can skip pages at a time when the story stands still, because one of the heroes just has to have an internal monologue about something trivial, because we need the drama. And then comes the "we can't be together" bullshit, followed by insta-love and a happy end.
Honorable mention goes to the absolutely unprofessional FBI team who instead of getting everyone, who's emotionally involved away, brings in as many of them as possible. Because a priest preaching about hell and "knowing Bobby wants to repent" will work. Because who else could diffuse a bomb but a worrying brother? Idiots.
Stupid names, 100+ unnecessary pages, loads of whining. One and a half stars because of the story. Would have been two if any of the twists were explained.
October 2, 2024
Ωραία πέρασα διαβάζοντάς το. Μυστήριο, φόνοι και λίγο έρωτας να δέσει το γλυκό. Καλύτερο απ’ ότι το περίμενα. Δυστυχώς όταν αποκαλύπτεται ο ένοχος, έχασα λίγο το ενδιαφέρον μου. Παραμένει αρκετά καλό με δυναμική ηρωίδα.
July 12, 2018
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
March 17, 2020
It took me a little bit to get going with this one. I enjoyed the mystery, the case but not really the romance. I liked the world and characters, will definitely want to read more.
January 19, 2025
It's okay. The characters are so-so and I don't really care for them. Sadie would have been interesting I rooted for her. Bobby's hatred wasn't fully explained, what was the catalysts that made him snap.
An occurring theme in Allison's books are female characters that don't know how to love, don't do good in relationships, but loves sex. Although this book doesn't adhere to the last, it is sex scenes are more graphic. Which if I wanted to read an erotic book would have been fine. I however prefer my crime dramas not to focus on sex.
The killer I guessed early on and my suspicion about the mother's death was correct.
An occurring theme in Allison's books are female characters that don't know how to love, don't do good in relationships, but loves sex. Although this book doesn't adhere to the last, it is sex scenes are more graphic. Which if I wanted to read an erotic book would have been fine. I however prefer my crime dramas not to focus on sex.
The killer I guessed early on and my suspicion about the mother's death was correct.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2022
This book had potential, but the crazy number of sex scenes just took away from the story. I wanted to put it down because I wasn't interested in the very detailed sex scenes. In my mind, I had renamed this book 50 Shades of Prey (without the toys) because of the number of sex scenes in it. I don't know that I want to read the next 2 books in this series even though I already purchased them.
April 9, 2024
Ugh this one is hard for me. I remember reading this series years and years ago and really enjoying it. Now having read some of the author's later books the flaws in this one are more obvious. I hated the premise from the start. The tension between the brothers with both of them basically falling into an insta-love over Rowan bugged the crap out of me, especially with the way it all fell out. There's a lot of guilt that I don't know was really addressed well with both Rowan and John over Michael.
The second half of the book is actually stronger than the first half. Once they start figuring out what is really going on and the clock metaphorically starts ticking things flowed a little better for me. But, I just never really fully bought the relationship between Rowan and John so the story suffered for me.
The second half of the book is actually stronger than the first half. Once they start figuring out what is really going on and the clock metaphorically starts ticking things flowed a little better for me. But, I just never really fully bought the relationship between Rowan and John so the story suffered for me.
January 31, 2012
Brennan was a new author for me when I started reading The Prey. I wasn't really sure what to think. I always get nervous trying someone new. But I was really pleasantly surprised!!
Brennan is a fabulous story weaver. I don't know if that is even something that you can be, but it is now! She wrote such an incredible story with so much depth ... it was just really good and I was totally impressed.
The way that she would delve into the past and not bore me to death was a pretty appealing side effect to her writing ... I've read so many authors that will try and do what Brennan has flawlessly done with the flashbacks and all of that and just completely maul and destroy the story that they were trying to tell.
I will definitely be reading some more Allison Brennan books ... getting ready to pick up the next in the Predator series and I can't wait. She's at the top of my favorite author list now.
If you're on the fence about picking this book up, give it a chance. I think that you'll find a new favorite!!
Brennan is a fabulous story weaver. I don't know if that is even something that you can be, but it is now! She wrote such an incredible story with so much depth ... it was just really good and I was totally impressed.
The way that she would delve into the past and not bore me to death was a pretty appealing side effect to her writing ... I've read so many authors that will try and do what Brennan has flawlessly done with the flashbacks and all of that and just completely maul and destroy the story that they were trying to tell.
I will definitely be reading some more Allison Brennan books ... getting ready to pick up the next in the Predator series and I can't wait. She's at the top of my favorite author list now.
If you're on the fence about picking this book up, give it a chance. I think that you'll find a new favorite!!
Read
June 19, 2022I liked Michael a lot and wished that Peter had a bigger role. Rowan was guarded, that can be understood, but I think if you have just one family member left and whom you tried to protect at all costs, you would want to remain in touch with him. Last but not the least if Bobby had killed Rowan's Mother, the author should have included some portion regarding where Rowan tells it to somebody at least, just to clear that her father was not the killer everybody thought him to be.. John was good, Tess didn't leave much of the impression, Rowan was ok but one character that caught my attention in the shortest description available to her was Sadie. I loved her "never say die" attitude, which ultimately prevented her death. Overall a nice read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2016
This was just okay for me. I liked Rowan okay, despite her being so guarded that you don’t really get to know her, but I liked Michael more than John, so John and Rowan’s relationship didn’t sit real well with me. I did like that there was a little bit of a deeper storyline here… it wasn’t all about the murders. I think a lot of it was about siblings and the relationships between them, as well. But overall, it just left me with that “meh” feeling. I don’t know that I’ll bother finishing the trilogy unless I have a compelling reason to.
May 2, 2011
Hardly got started and I put it down. The lead female is the kind of character I'm sick of....a dark, painful past makes her a bitch who can't accept help from anyone. The author alludes to something that is too horrific to remember. Anyway, I got this for $0.25 at the library sale table so don't feel too bad about giving up on it. The other two in the series were there too so I'll check out the next one. Generally, Allison Brennan's books get pretty good ratings so there must be something there.
December 28, 2011
EXCELLENT JOB! Imagine you are an author and everything you wrote that was fictional and everything comes true. Is it a coincidence? or has someone targetting Rowan.... things get sooo bad that she has to go into the witness protection program, they even made me second guess myself, and from pg 30 it had me intrigued this is one for recommendations. I am looking for the Hunt and the Kill, to continue.
Will Rowan ever let anyone in her heart? Will she ever trust again if you want to find out you have to pick up THE PREY.
Will Rowan ever let anyone in her heart? Will she ever trust again if you want to find out you have to pick up THE PREY.
September 11, 2015
I really liked this book, just like the others from Allison, I think the plot was very well written.
The missing thing was THE REASON. Rowan spend all the book wondering why her brother did all those killings, she was trying to imagine a reason, even when she thought he was dead, and at the end she had plenty of time with Bobby and never asked why? Why he decided to be like that? And I think she should have forgiven her father too, after to knowledge what really happened that night. That´s why I gave 4 stars.
The missing thing was THE REASON. Rowan spend all the book wondering why her brother did all those killings, she was trying to imagine a reason, even when she thought he was dead, and at the end she had plenty of time with Bobby and never asked why? Why he decided to be like that? And I think she should have forgiven her father too, after to knowledge what really happened that night. That´s why I gave 4 stars.
September 12, 2022
Where to begin! First, I have read other Brennan books, and they were okay. This one, however, is a disaster! Here's why, in no particular order: 1) How did Bobby afford all those plane trips? 2) The hospital switch was laughable Bull Shit! 3) The bodyguards were inept! Both trying to bed the protagonist instead of doing their job, and what's with both the bodyguards always picking up Rowan (stupid name) and cradling her on their laps??? 4) The call girl was more adept at self-defense than Rowan, a trained FBI agent!
March 14, 2011
A really, really bad book. What I would call a "moist panty" book. That's where the hero and heroine meet. He immediately wants to protect her, her panties get moist also immediately. They eventually clinch, solve all their problems, clinch some more, then (hopefully) disappear from your memory forever. In her defense this is Allison Brennan's first book. She has gone on to write some much better crime novels.
March 9, 2009
I don't know if it is just the german translation or in general,but this book has one of the worst writing styles I've ever experienced.I gave up after only 59 pages and I don't think that I will ever try to finish it...
October 16, 2011
I expected a mystery but this was more of a romantic thriller. Haunted ex-FBI agent turned writer is being stalked by someone who is reenacting murders from her books. The mystery was fairly obvious and the main character looked rather silly for not figuring it out sooner.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews